Small business wants more details on carbon pricing

Focus on large business is flawed

St. John’s, July 30, 2018 – The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is raising concerns about carbon pricing details reported in the Telegram last week. Premier Dwight Ball stated the government is creating a two-phased approach to carbon pricing: one for industry and one for domestic fuels. He further noted there will be “less impact” of carbon pricing on the offshore oil sector and oil refining and mining operations.

This will worry small business owners who are already under pressure to generate enough income to cover ever-growing expenses. To allay any fear and anxiety amongst small business owners, the government must release more details on how it will implement carbon pricing in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“The province’s largest employers are also its largest greenhouse gas emitters, but they are unlikely to pay their fair share,” said Vaughn Hammond, director of provincial affairs in Newfoundland and Labrador. “One thing is for certain, reducing the burden on large business places a greater burden on small business. At some point, the government has to recognize continuing to harm small business harms the local economy.”

CFIB acknowledges if the provincial government does not develop its own carbon pricing plan, the federal government will impose one. However, the government has to understand huge tax and fee increases have removed millions in disposable income from the pockets of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and have pushed many small businesses to the brink. Residents and small businesses cannot bear the brunt of another tax increase.

“The government cannot continue with a plan to let large business off the hook for its greenhouse gas emissions and further punish small businesses,” added Hammond. “What we know so far is a flawed approach to carbon pricing.”

For media enquiries or interviews, please contact:
Vaughn Hammond, Director of Provincial Affairs, CFIB
709-753-7764
vaughn.hammond@cfib.ca 

About CFIB
CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 110,000 members across every sector and region. Learn more at cfib.ca.