Canadian Federation of Independent Business

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) represents more than 105 000 owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), 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

Independently owned Canadian businesses.

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, 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 owners/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.
• Troubleshooting - 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 funds aimed at influencing the advocacy work the organization undertakes on behalf of its members. 
• Broad Base - CFIB represents the interests of its members in all parts of Canada, at all levels of government and in all sectors of the economy.
• Reasonable Cost - CFIB membership fees are based on a number of factors, such as the number of employees, benefits received and input from members. The CFIB elected Board of Governors, comprised of members, reviews the fee structure annually.
• Access to Government - If a member chooses, CFIB will forward specific concerns and comments directly to the member's federal or provincial elected representatives.
• Confidentiality - CFIB protects the privacy of individual members. Membership information remains strictly confidential within CFIB and its database is never sold or given away.

New Brunswick Contact(s):
Mr. Stéphane Robichaud
Vice-President, Atlantic Canada
New Brunswick & Prince Edward Island
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Suite 204, 814 Main Street
Moncton, New Brunswick  E1C 1E6
Telephone: 506-855-2526
Fax: 506-855-0843
E-mail: msnb@cfibmail.com
Web site: http://www.cfib.ca/default_E.asp?l=E

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National Contact(s):
Ms. Corinne Pohlmann
Director of National Affairs
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
99 Metcalfe Street, Suite 1202
Ottawa, Ontario  K1P 6L7
Telephone: 613-235-2373
Fax: 613-235-4137
Web site: http://www.cfib.ca/default_E.asp?l=E

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