An MPP is surveying small business owners to find what obstacles are hampering them.
“When you look at small businesses, they are the backbone of the economy in most communities,” said Vic Fedeli, Nipissing MPP. “We thought we would find out what it is they want to talk about.”
Since the Ontario legislature had been prorogued, he said nobody from the government was addressing high unemployment, and issues from the North.
“We felt it was important to start a conversation, since small businesses are the ones that are going to create the jobs.”
Fedeli expects a big part of the conversation will revolve around red tape. He has heard from business owners that they are spending more time filling out government forms and trying to navigate the red tape, than serving customers.
“We have received some good feedback already,” he said. “Many are talking about Bill 119 that came into effect. Jan. 1. We warned the business community about that one.”
All independent operators, sole proprietors, partners in partnerships and executive officers of corporations in the construction industry will need to have insurance through WSIB.
“This is just an added tax to their business and we are hearing a tremendous amount about that,” Fedeli said. “What happens right now is that most independent people in the construction industry have their own insurance, which is adequate.
“Now, they are forced to take out WSIB which is incredibly expensive and offers very little coverage, but, is mandatory. “They will not give up their own insurance, so now they have to pay for two types of coverage.”
The Progressive Conservatives (PC) have started a Fix the WSIB campaign to protest the bill which they want repealed.
Business owners were also expecting the corporate tax rate to fall from 11.5 per cent to 10 per cent this year, but in supporting the Liberal budget last year, the New Democratic Party wanted the rate to remain the same.
“It’s a real disincentive to the business community,” he said. “Some have found that to be a shock because they were counting on the lower rate.”
High energy rates, which affect all consumers, is another issue small business owners find challenging.
“Energy rates keep coming up and they have doubled under (former Premier Dalton) McGuinty,” Fedeli said. “More than 60 mills have closed in Northern Ontario, and many because of high energy rates.”
The collected data will be provided to the PC’s small business critic and Fedeli expects a report to the legislature will be made once it is in session.
“I am happy with the response so far,” he said. “And I will take response from anywhere in Ontario, not just the Nipissing area, since all small businesses share the same concerns.”
The survey can be done online at www.fedeli.com.
