TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has opened nominations for its third annual Golden Scissors Award. This award recognizes individuals or teams of people who have demonstrated leadership and produced real results in cutting red tape for small businesses.
"When asked to identify the most daunting issues facing their businesses, small business owners consistently rank red tape number two, just behind taxes," said CFIB executive vice president Laura Jones. "The Golden Scissors Award is awarded to a politician, public servant or other Canadian who has heard the voice of small business owners and is taking action to reduce the burden of red tape."
Nominations are open until December 2nd and can be made by emailing [email protected]. CFIB is looking for inspiring stories - big or small - about elected officials or policy makers who are finding unique and innovative ways to reduce harmful and excessive regulations on small business owners. The winner and honourable mentions will be announced in January during CFIB's Red Tape Awareness Week.
Last year's winner was the Hon. Gail Shea, Canada's former Minister of National Revenue, who was recognized for changing Canada Revenue Agency's My Business Account into an online system for when businesses are communicating with the agency, and ensuring that tax advice provided to business owners is upheld, even when it is found to be incorrect.
"Red tape is not just a hassle for Canada's small businesses," said Richard Truscott, CFIB's director of provincial affairs for Alberta. "It impairs our prosperity as Canadians. It hinders growth and investment, costs jobs and delays our economic growth. The Golden Scissors Award really recognizes those individuals who are taking it upon themselves to make a meaningful change for the better."
CFIB is Canada's largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 109,000 members across every sector and region.
SOURCE: Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
To arrange an interview with Laura Jones or Richard Truscott, please call Gisele Lumsden at 416-222-8022 or by email at [email protected].
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