CFIB’s Ontario director of provincial affairs Julie Kwiecinski. /CFIB photo
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has released its 2025 Top 10 Ontario Election Priorities, urging the next provincial government to implement tax and regulatory reforms to protect Ontario’s economy from potential U.S. tariffs and global competitiveness challenges.
CFIB’s Ontario director of provincial affairs Julie Kwiecinski told us tax cuts are leading the way for things small businesses are looking for.
While some of it is technical, Kwiecinski says a few adjustments behind the scenes could mean a big different for business owners.
While there are a lot of “do’s” on the list, there are some “do not’s” as well.
Among CFIB’s top recommendations:
Lowering the small business tax rate from 3.2 to 2 per cent immediately, with a plan to phase it out completely.
Increasing the small business deduction threshold to at least $700,000 and indexing it to inflation.
Eliminating interprovincial trade barriers by mutually recognizing all provincial and territorial regulatory standards.
Making fuel tax cuts permanent to keep operating costs down for businesses.
Compensating small businesses impacted by major construction projects through an Ontario construction mitigation fund.
CFIB is also calling for the continued return of the WSIB surplus funds to businesses when the board’s funding level is at least 115 per cent, ensuring fair premium rates.
As the provincial election approaches, CFIB is urging political leaders to adopt these measures to secure a competitive and productive economy for Ontario’s small businesses.
(Written by: Matt Leblanc)
