Cost of local government most important for small businesses in B.C.: CFIB
Posted July 2, 2026 3:53 pm.
Small businesses in B.C. are reaching the deadline to pay their local property taxes, and the cost of their local government is the most important issue to them according to one business group.
In a survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), 62 per cent of businesses are worried about municipal costs.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!This is the third highest concern, after total tax load (81 per cent) and government debt and deficit (63 per cent).
“Small businesses have faced near double-digit tax increases year after year. The message is clear: local governments have a spending problem, not a revenue problem,” said Ryan Mitton, B.C. Director of Legislative Affairs for CFIB.
As for cities that have the most concerned small businesses, Victoria, Kelowna, and Prince George fair worst. Three-quarters of businesses are worried about the cost of local government, says the report.
“B.C. is facing an entrepreneurial drought, with more businesses closing than opening over the last four consecutive quarters. Candidates running for office this fall need to commit to holding the line on property taxes and spending, keeping them at or below inflation,” said Mitton.
Vancouver, recently passed a property tax freeze, ranking it lowest in worry amongst small businesses. Vancouver was the only government to see a decline in cost concern since 2022.
CFIB says it wants candidates running for office this fall to commit to keeping the freeze on property taxes in Vancouver and hopes other municipalities follow Vancouver’s lead.
