– Dianne Hawkins is the CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce. Reach her at dhawkins@comoxvalleychamber.com or 250.334.3234.
COMOX VALLEY – Delegates from hundreds of chambers of commerce across Canada overwhelmingly endorsed a call for genuine consultation on tax reform at the Canadian Chamber’s annual policy conference in Fredericton, NB.
Having been raised in a family business, I understand the challenges faced by small business owners during both profitable and not-so-profitable times. Small business owners are the backbone of our economy and invest in their local communities. Our Chamber, mainly comprised of small businesses has spoken out against this proposed tax.
At the Chamber AGM, delegates opted to move up a late-stage resolution calling on the government to extend its 75-day consultation period and to establish an independent commission to recommend ways to modernize and simplify Canada’s tax laws.
The resolution, titled “Stop the Harmful Tax Changes on Private Corporations” passed with 98.8 per cent support. The resolution can be found on the Canadian Chamber website.
Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber stated, “This isn’t just about dollars and cents. It’s about the survival of tens of thousands of small businesses and family farms across Canada.
The Canadian Chamber appreciated hearing from the Minister of Finance at the AGM but remains convinced that his proposed tax changes pose a clear threat to small businesses and that the government’s consultation process is totally inadequate.”
Small businesses are the largest employers in Canada. The products and services they provide and the taxes they pay are responsible for our country’s standard of living. We have a responsibility to protect their growth. When provincial governments of all different affiliations and hundreds of tax professionals all express their concerns, it’s time for the government to listen.
The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce is a member in good standing of the Canadian Chamber. The Chamber is the Comox Valley’s largest and most influential business association, your Business Champion. The Chamber powers the people who power the Comox Valley and beyond.
We are listening to what Businesses want: More exposure, highly focused networking, professional learning opportunities, business leadership, and solid connections. For more information on the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, please visit the following link.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the vital connection between business and the federal government. It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 450 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing 200,000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions. News and information are available at Chamber.ca or Twitter @CdnChamberofCom.
* Parts of article courtesy of Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
