The Canadian Federation of Independent Business issued a report in 2018. It stated that 73% of small businesses across Canada believe the best way municipal governments can help them is through fair taxation and 64% believe it is through having fair municipal bylaws and regulations.

Further, small businesses need clear communications and genuine consultations with small businesses. The next council could, in cooperation with the Chamber, organize townhalls at which business owners could informally meet with their municipal representatives to discuss issues of concern. Sometimes those issues are big with complex solutions. Sometimes they are small like improving snow removal and placing more garbage/recycling containers in urban centers.

Current businesses can by helped and new businesses can be attracted by improving infrastructure, transit, walkability, biking, parking, and mitigating traffic snarls. Council can and should become the champion for small business.