Lack of workers forcing small business to hold off on expansion

Workers are becoming increasingly hard to find.
That is the reality being faced by small businesses through Atlantic Canada according to a report released Monday by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
The labour shortages are threatening economic growth because one in five businesses can’t find people to fill the positions that would be created.
“As a first line of defence, small business owners are doing more hands-on work themselves. For those with persistent staffing challenges, future growth is next to impossible,” Jordi Morgan, CFIB’s vice-president for Atlantic Canada said in a news release.
“To augment the success of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, we are again recommending an Introduction to Canada Visa, giving lower-skilled workers the opportunity to work towards permanent residency," he added.
CFIB’s report reveals regional small business owners urgently need workers at all skill levels.
Immigration is the primary tool being used to offset population decline, but immigration programs tend to target only highly-skilled, highly-educated workers.
Many businesses are also investing in equipment, technology and ways to innovate and stay productive. But because of high taxes in the region, unnecessary regulatory burden and increasing federal tax loads such as CPP and the carbon taxes, these roadblocks are making it more difficult for small businesses to contribute towards future projects and investments.
“Government funding is too limited in scope and application processes can be loaded with red tape. Many small businesses either can’t or don’t have the resources to access them,” Morgan said.
“Regional governments should be looking for ways to allow small businesses to claim much more of what is spent on new equipment or technology in the year of purchase.” he added.

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