"A full 40% of small Canadian exporters will be directly hit by these tariffs and nearly one-third expect their revenues will drop by 50% or more as a result."
Fuel costs remained the top cost constraint affecting 60% of small firms across Canada, while shipping and receiving costs stayed elevated for 45% of businesses.
“Canada's independent wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries have waited a long time to see direct-to-consumer alcohol shipping finally become a reality.”
Harvesting labourers alone account for nearly a third (32%) of all temporary foreign worker positions in Canada, work that's physically demanding, outdoor and seasonal.
The federal small business tax rate has remained frozen at 9% since 2019, and the Small Business Deduction threshold has been unchanged at $500,000 since 2009.
77% of small businesses think Canadians should have the freedom to order Canadian wine, beer, and craft spirits directly from any province or territory without restrictions.
The entrepreneurial drought, a sustained period of four or more quarters where business exits outpace new business entries, has been ongoing since early 2024.
CFIB’s March Business Barometer shows fuel costs are a major constraint for 42% of Alberta small businesses, demonstrating the scale and seriousness of the issue.