Attention Chamber Members,

In July of this year the Federal Government announced a number of proposed corporate tax policy changes to address what they stated were “loopholes” that the top 1% of income earners were taking advantage of in an unfair manner.  What we now know is that these sweeping changes will have a massive impact on how small businesses operate; specifically, how small businesses pay tax, how they manage capital, and how family members can engage in the business and/or plan for retirement.

Your Chamber continues to engage members on this issue and recently we sent out a survey to gauge your awareness and knowledge of the proposed changes. Your response has been overwhelmingly in opposition to what has been proposed and according to those who have responded thus far, these changes will have a profound impact on the way you do business.  The Canadian Chamber has also brought together 34 national organizations in forming the National Coalition for Small Business Tax Fairness.  Click HERE to review the letter that the coalition sent to Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau

As you know, your membership fees are used to respectfully engage government at all levels on issues such as this. As a non-partisan organization that is part of a national network, your Chamber is engaging with the Federal Government directly on your behalf. However, we need your help.

First you can participate in our survey.  If you didn’t see it in your inbox let us know and we can resend.  Secondly, government officials need to hear from you directly!   We encourage you to send an email to your local MP expressing your concern and sharing your story. The consultation period will close on Oct. 2nd and it is critically important that your voice be heard.

Thank you in advance for your participation.  We will of course share the final results of our member survey with you and our local MP’s and also engage with our other community partners to draw more attention to this issue.  If you are using social media please use #unfairtaxchanges

Regards,

Dan Rogers

Executive Director

Kelowna Chamber of Commerce

 

Let your member of parliament (or the Finance Minister) know what you think of the proposed changes. Contact them here:

 

Kelowna Lake Country MP Stephen Fuhr              Stephen.Fuhr.C1@parl.gc.ca

Central Okanagan MP Dan Albas                               Dan.Albas.C1D@parl.gc.ca

Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau                   Bill.Morneau@parl.gc.ca