Entrepreneurs expect economy, small business recovery to be a focus of this election

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Published August 16, 2021 at 5:58 pm

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On Sunday (August 15), Parliament was dissolved, and an election was called for September 20 at the request of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Trudeau cited the desire to allow Canadians to have a say when it comes to how the federal government will continue to navigate the COVID-19 crisis as one of the primary reasons for this election.

Lockdowns have been prevalent for many regions across Canada during the last 18 months, and many businesses have been hit especially hard over this time.

According to a recent survey from the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB), 78 per cent of entrepreneurs listed the economy as their top concern for this election, and 74 per cent said it was specifically the recovery of small businesses.

Further, 81 per cent of business owners expect each political party to include a detailed economic recovery plan, including improving COVID-19 relief programs in their platforms, and 77 per cent expect plans to reduce the overall tax burden on small business.

However, only 24 per cent felt their concerns regarding businesses will be prioritized by those running for election.

According to a separate poll, 59 per cent of Canadians listed the economy as their top concern this election, and 47 per cent said it was the recovery of small businesses.

Additionally, 93 per cent of respondents said they believe small business recovery is crucial for Canadas economic recovery overall.

“Small businesses have been through the wringer over the past 16 months, and many are looking at a long and bumpy road to recovery. They want to see all political parties commit to real measures that can support them now that an election has been called,” Dan Kelly, president of CFIB, said in a news release.

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