Julie Kwiecinski of the CFIB discusses what the Ontario budget means for small businesses

·11 min·1 clip

Julie Kwasinski reveals how 375 small businesses will save up to $5,000 yearly from Ontario's 30% tax cut.

The episode begins with host Mike Stubbs introducing the Ontario budget's focus on small business support. He is joined by Julie Kwasinski, Director of Provincial Affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Julie explains that CFIB had lobbied for a small business tax cut through 50 meetings at Queen's Park, including with Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy and Treasury Board President Carolyn Mulroney. The budget delivered a 30% reduction, lowering the tax rate from 3.2% to 2.2%. This will affect around 375 small businesses across Ontario, with potential savings of up to $5,000 per business annually. Julie notes that CFIB surveys indicate businesses plan to reinvest these savings into employee compensation, expansion, and hiring. She credits the Ontario government for responding to their requests. The discussion then shifts to broader economic challenges. Julie mentions that business owners face planning difficulties due to uncertainties like U.S. tariffs and high oil prices. She cites a stat that 44% of businesses feel indirect impacts from tariffs, not just those in auto and steel industries. This creates trickle-down effects that are hard to predict. Julie points out that Ontario is leading in addressing internal trade barriers to reduce reliance on the U.S. market. She describes the concept of mutual recognition, where provinces accept similar regulations instead of requiring full harmonization. For example, safety vests with slight design differences can be approved across provinces. Ontario recently conducted a consultation on this model, and CFIB submitted feedback. Julie also mentions streamlining workers' compensation registrations as another area for improvement. She suggests that U.S. trade pressures have accelerated Canadian efforts to knock down internal barriers. The episode concludes with Julie expressing optimism about these advancements and exchanging pleasantries with the host.

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