Good afternoon. My name is Jasmin Guénette. I'm vice-president of national affairs with the CFIB. I'm here today with my colleague Michelle Auger, a senior policy analyst.
We would like to thank the committee for inviting us today.
I will make my opening remarks in English, but I'm able to answer questions in French and English.
As you may know, CFIB is a non-partisan organization representing 97,000 small and medium-sized businesses across every industry and region of Canada.
Today we will share insights on how best to support the growth of small businesses into domestic and global markets.
Small business optimism is currently very low. Every single line of a small business budget is increasing, and demand is low. Reducing the tax and regulatory burden will help small businesses address the current increased cost of doing business, will help address growth and sales limitation, and will support SMEs to thrive and contribute more to our trade and supply chain.
Trade barriers within Canada must be removed. There are too many regulations that currently hinder the efficient movement and sale of goods because federal and provincial requirements are not aligned.
CFIB recommends adopting a policy of mutual recognition to internal trade, which means any regulatory standard in one jurisdiction is recognized in all other jurisdictions without further requirements having to be met.
Our transportation network, like railways and ports, is at the centre of Canada's supply chain system. It needs it to remain fluid at all times. However, disruptions like strikes at ports and on railways can cause significant delays, affecting the entire supply chain, and impacting small businesses' finances and operations.
We recommend that the government make ports and railways essential services so they remain fully operational at all times.
I will now turn to my colleague Michelle Auger.