The Issue - Federal Tax Changes
The Federal Government has proposed the most radical tax overhaul in 50 years, specifically targeting privately held corporations with troubling implications for businesses ability to invest money back into their company, prepare for a rainy day, or pass along a business to their children.

This past weekend Finance Minister Bill Morneau spoke to a packed room of delegates at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM on the issue. The Minister's vague and non-committal responses left more questions than answers.

"We did not receive any new information or assurance about the potentially crippling effects his tax reforms could have on small and medium-sized enterprises," said the Hon. Perrin Beatty , President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber.

"In speaking with our network of more than 200,000 businesses, it is the farmers, mom and pop shops, and entrepreneurs who invested everything into their businesses who are the most scared of the government's proposed tax changes," Mr. Beatty said. "The government has not answered their concerns today. It has left them high and dry, wondering how they will survive if the weather or the economy takes a turn for the worse."

In response, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, including representatives from Lethbridge, passed a landmark resolution asking the Federal Government to:

1.   Extend the current consultation period beyond October 2, 2017 to ensure broad participation by Canada’s SME community.

2.   Establish a royal commission to undertake a comprehensive review of taxing statutes guided by the principles of simplification and modernization, as well as having the goal of reducing compliance costs to make Canada a competitive tax regime once again.

3.   Establish a standing committee, with active representation from the SME community to support the commission by continuously monitor changes and publicly report progress at least annually.

This is an issue where the power of the network can affect change if we all work together and use our voice of business. Finance Minister Bill Morneau has told us that he's listening, so now is the time to make our voice heard.

The window of opportunity is fast with October 2nd being the last day. This is an issue where the power of the network can affect change if we all work together. The Minister says he is listening, so lets make sure we speak out.
Take Action - Deadline Oct. 2nd
There's a lot you can do to help the Voice of Business be heard. As concerned citizens and business owners we encourage you to take the following actions along with us:


  • Call Finance Minister Bill Morneau directly at his office in Ottawa, or at his constituency. Even if all your calls bounce, this, more than anything else, makes an impact.

House of Commons (Ottawa)
Telephone: 613-992-1377
Fax: 613-992-1383

Constituency Office (Toronto)
Telephone: 416-972-9749
Fax: 416-972-9891

  • Email a letter. Fill out and edit the attached template letter and send it to our Member of Parliament, Rachel Harder and to Finance Minister Bill Morneau.

Rachael.Harder@parl.gc.ca
Bill.Morneau@parl.gc.ca

For added effect, schedule your emails to send on 8 am, Monday October 2nd, EST

  • Take to Social Media, tell your story, and ask Bill Morneau and Justin Trudeau to reconsider these changes. Tag us and the Canadian Chamber as well!

Twitter: @Bill_Morneau @JustinTrudeau
Facebook: @morneau.bill @JustinPJTrudeau

Twitter: @LethChamber @CdnChamberofCom
Facebook: @LethbridgeChamber @CanadianChamberofCommerce
Articles and Resources
The Voice of Business at Work for You
Advocacy Actions on this Issue

  • Sent out Press Releases calling media attention to the issue.
  • Called on our members to mail their Member of Parliament.
  • Called on our members to mail/phone Minister Morneau.
  • Issued educational pieces and information to our members.
  • Participated in a national business protest and called on our members to participate as well.
  • Still engaged in an ongoing social media awarenesss and impact campaign to directly reach decision makers.
  • Produced videos interviewing members about how the tax changes will affect them.
  • Hosted an informational breakfast with KPMG and BDO on the changes.
  • Participated in the drafting of an official policy with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce calling for an independent Royal Commission to review Canada's tax code.
  • Signed a national petition to stop the proposed tax changes.
Evaluate Our Efforts
Please fill out a short survey to evaluate our advocacy efforts and share your priorities.
Thank you to our media partners for their continued support