KAWARTHA LAKE–The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says it is concerned by the recent introduction of Bill C-3 in the House of Commons, which seeks to establish 10 paid sick days for all employees of federally-regulated businesses. This follows British Columbia’s announcement of five employer-paid sick days earlier this week.
“CFIB urges the federal government and provincial governments to exercise extreme caution when imposing new costs on small businesses at a time when a majority are still not back to normal sales or out from under their COVID-related debt. Small businesses are already facing a significant increase in employer contributions to CPP on January 1, 2022, carbon tax increases in several provinces, as well as other increases in the cost of doing business, including supplies, shipping, and insurance.” says Dan Kelly, President, Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
There are about 18,500 employers in federally regulated industries, including federal Crown corporations, that together employ 955,000 people (about six per cent of all employees in Canada) according to the government.
The government said it will also meet with the provinces, territories and others to develop “a national action plan” to legislate paid sick leave across the country, while respecting provincial-territorial jurisdiction and clearly recognizing the unique needs of small business owners.
Kelly says many businesses may be cut off from accessing any COVID relief due to higher thresholds to access the new wage and rent subsidy programs and f other provincial governments follow in the federal government’s footsteps by imposing employer-funded sick days without mitigating measures, many businesses will likely be pushed to the brink and could close for good, or be forced to cut down on staffing and benefits to absorb the costs.
“CFIB urges the federal government to consult with small business owners and not impose this new cost. Small businesses simply cannot bear any additional pressure right now. If the government goes ahead with the Bill, it must find other ways to cut costs for small business owners, such as halting the increase in CPP and other taxes, balancing employer and employee EI contributions, and maintaining COVID support programs at their current levels and eligibility criteria so small businesses have a chance to recover.” says Kelly
