Canadian Federation of Independent Business

Non-Governmental Organizations

Last Verified: 2003-12-31

This document is based on information from the CFIB Web site as of December 31, 2003.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) represents more than 100 000 owners of small and medium-sized businesses, distributed across all industry sectors and all regions of Canada. CFIB's advocacy is based on the strong feedback it receives from its members, and it has a high profile in government, in business and among the general public.

Eligibility Criteria

Small and medium enterprises.

Summary

Since 1971, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business has been giving small firms a big voice in the public arena. Best known for high-profile actions with governments on policies like tax, labour laws and public sector spending, the CFIB has also achieved many behind-the-scenes changes that have meant real dollars-and-cents benefits to all firms. For example, persistent CFIB lobbying was instrumental in achieving the capital gains exemption, the small business reduced corporate tax rate, and beneficial changes to the Bankruptcy Act, the Small Business Loans Act and RRSP rules.

Political clout is CFIB's main product, but there are many other benefits to independent business owner/operators:

Strength in Numbers - By joining forces with business owners across the country, members can share in protecting the health of their firms and resisting the dominance of big government, big labour and big business.
Members Vote on Issues - Members shape CFIB's policy positions. Extensive use of ballots, surveys and face-to-face contact ensures that every member has an equal say.
Information - Members receive regular newsletters and valuable information on government policies. As well, CFIB provides helpful tips on issues such as taxation, banking and regulations.
Research - The CFIB conducts important research into problems affecting small business.
Trouble Shooting - Members can get advice and support in dealing with governments from the CFIB Member Services Department, at no charge.
Independent Voice - CFIB does not accept funding from governments or other large organizations and, therefore, can fully represent the interests of small- and medium-sized businesses.
Broad Base - CFIB represents members interests in all parts of Canada, at all levels of government and in all sectors of the economy.
Reasonable Cost - An annual membership fee is low enough to be within reach of the smallest businesses and qualifies as a tax-deductible business expense.
Access to Government - If a member chooses, CFIB will forward specific concerns and comments directly to their federal or provincial elected representatives.
Confidentiality - CFIB protects the privacy of individual members. Membership information remains strictly confidential within CFIB and their database is never sold or given away.

Ontario Contact(s):
Ms. Judith Andrew
Vice-President, Ontario
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Suite 401, 4141 Yonge Street
Willowdale, Ontario M2P 2A6
Telephone: (416) 222-8022
Fax: (416) 222-4337
E-mail: msont@cfibmail.com
Web site: http://www.cfib.ca/default_E.asp?l=E

National Contact(s):
Ms. Catherine Swift
President and CEO
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Suite 401, 4141 Yonge Street
Willowdale, Ontario M2P 2A6
Telephone: (416) 222-8022
Fax: (416) 222-7593
E-mail: cfib@cfib.ca
Web site: http://www.cfib.ca/default_E.asp?l=E

Mr. Garth Whyte
Executive Vice-President
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Suite 1202, 99 Metcalfe Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L7
Telephone: (613) 235-2373
Fax: (613) 235-4137
Web site: http://www.cfib.ca/default_E.asp?l=E

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Last Modified: 2004-05-18

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Canadian Federation of Independent Business

Eligibility Criteria

Summary