Taxing Payroll: A Barrier to Business Growth and Competitiveness

In general, payroll taxes constitute one of the most damaging forms of taxation for business owners as they are costly, profit insensitive, and administratively burdensome. These types of taxes makes it less affordable for business owners to grow and enhance their business’ competitiveness through investments, innovation, increases to employee wages, and job creation—ultimately weakening Canada’s overall economy.

This report sheds light on the payroll costs imposed on employers and employees across the country; and provides key recommendations on what changes can be made to payroll taxes to promote growth and competitiveness of Canadian small businesses.

Provincial summaries:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan