Proposed tax changes will hurt small business
Here is what some local business people are saying about the impact the proposed changes could have on their operations:
“With 75 percent of all physicians across Nova Scotia being incorporated, I am very concerned that these proposed tax changes will impact patient care, with dramatic consequences for patient access, and physician recruitment and retention in the province.” – Dr. Manoj Vohra, President of Doctors Nova Scotia
“For almost 50 years, we have reinvested the Market’s earnings into new products, offerings, attractions and local jobs. This is how we have managed to grow along with our community, attract and maintain new visitors and employees. We expect the proposed tax changes will have the impact of deteriorating our ability to contribute to the growth of our local economy, by slowing or freezing the number of new jobs and opportunities we can create through reinvestment in our business.” – Laurie Jennings, Owner, Masstown Market
“Increasing my professional tax load stifles my ability to grow my business, and create more jobs. If this government was really concerned about doing the right thing, they would take their time and review the entire tax system, instead of narrowly targeting the sector who create jobs and stimulate the economy.” – Stephanie Jones - McDonalds Owner/ Operator
Take Action Now!
Small business is the backbone of many Canadian communities accounting for 98 per cent of all businesses in the nation. Our businesses employ citizens; and our businesses support local initiatives, everything from sports teams to fundraising drives. They fund recreational, cultural and social programs within their communities. Proposed tax changes being considered by the federal government are the most significant tax changes we have seen in 45 years and will directly hurt business.
In July, Federal finance minister Bill Morneau announced plans to the tax system proposing to close what he deems “loop holes” and address planning strategies.
The proposed changes are an attack on the viability of all businesses and will punish legitimate businesses. Small business encompasses your retail and service sector, but also comprises your family physicians, local farmers, and day care operators among others. Restrictions proposed on income
sprinkling to family members, passive investments and converting income into capital gains will adversely affect the profitability of small business.
These tax changes will affect all private business owners, regardless of their level of income, size of business or conformity with fiscal rules. Many – if not most – business owners will end up paying higher overall tax in the future if these proposals go ahead, sometimes even paying higher rates of taxation than other Canadians at the same income level. This has been confirmed by accounting professionals across Canada.
Efforts to have meaningful dialogue with government on the dire effects of the proposed changes have been unsympathetic.
The window of opportunity to provide feedback through the consultation period is closing. The time to act is now before the Oct. 2, 2017 deadline.
The businesses of Truro and Colchester ask for your assistance in lobbying government to rethink their proposal and engage business in further dialogue to identify meaningful, workable solutions.
Take Action:
Contact your MP and urge the government to put these changes on hold to avoid hurting thousands of small businesses across the country and to have a broader, thoughtful discussion regarding the measures needed to stop those who use their businesses to avoid paying taxes.
Cumberland-Colchester MP Bill Casey, House of Commons Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 or Truro Office 40 Inglis Place Truro, NS B2N 4B4
Email- [email protected]
Phone number - 902.895.2863
Visit the Chamber website to: 1. Download a form letter to sign and send to MP Bill Casey;
CLICK HERE to download a letter to MP Bill Casey
2. access a link to a national petition, - Click here
3. Learn how these changes could impact your business;Click Here
4. Access a porthole to share your story with the Chamber network. Click Here
Representing more than 400 members of the business community
Your Voice for Business in Truro and Colchester for 127 years
www.Trurocolchesterchamber.com
895-6328 [email protected]
Federal Government Needs to Extend the Tax Consultation Deadline -op-ed
Businesses across Canada are voicing well-founded concerns about the federal government’s proposed tax changes for privately-held corporations. The proposed legislation is one of the most significant changes to tax regulation in 50 years and the government has provided a mere 75 days (during summer) to provide feedback. The business community needs more time to assess these complex changes to fully understand the wide-spread impact this will have on small- to medium-sized businesses. We need Minister Morneau to extend the deadline beyond October 2nd, 2017 to allow for proper consultation.
If implemented, these changes will drastically degrade the financial stability of all small businesses and not just a group of ‘highly paid individuals who are reluctant to pay their fair share of taxes.’ It will impact all incorporated private business, such as: start-ups, corners stores, farmers, or individuals who offer services like lawyers, accountants and other consultants.
In fairness, no one likes to pay more taxes, but we know the government also needs to reform the current tax legislation to address situations where individuals do not pay their fair share. However, the proposed tax changes on income splitting, holding passive income in a private corporation, and converting regular income into capital gains will apply to all privately-held corporations and not just the minority of high-income individuals.
Why should we care if small businesses can split income among family members, accumulate tax-advantaged savings, or maximize the sale price of their business through capital gains to fund their retirement? Because these changes may stop people from opening new businesses, or existing businesses from re-investing and expanding, or it could cause the prices of everyday products and services to go up as businesses absorb tax increases—all at a time when we need more business, more expansion, more jobs and competitive pricing in Atlantic Canada.
We need legislation to support small business in our region, not hinder it. Most incorporated private businesses are owned by friends and neighbours who are at the core of our communities. In fact, according to Statistics Canada (July 2017), 85-90 per cent of businesses across Canada are small-to-medium in size (80 per cent of which have less than 20 employees). These businesses create jobs locally and to drastically change the financial attractiveness of operating a business by adding unnecessary risk will slow economic development in Atlantic Canada.
You see, unlike an ‘employee’ who may have access to a company-sponsored health plan, retirement plan, sick leave, maternity leave, or other benefits; a small business owner must pay for these benefits. They often will put personal assets at risk to fund their business, and family members often help operate the business. Speak with anyone who has ever started a small business and they will tell you it takes several years to get it up off the ground or to even make a profit before they recoup their start-up costs.
At the heart of these tax changes, is a proposal to impose ‘reasonableness tests’ that will dictate how much a family member who assists with business operations can be paid (known as income splitting). This provision is very vague and open to interpretation. We believe more understanding and rigor to reduce ambiguity is a ‘reasonable expectation’ for business planning and stability.
Small businesses must plan and provide for financial outlays, so it is similarly unfair to significantly increase the taxes applied to savings held within a corporation (known as passive investment) across the board. These savings are retained for a variety of reasons like paying benefits or salaries to employees during periods when business slows or is not profitable, or for future business investments—and these retained earnings are eventually taxed as personal income if the funds are withdrawn from the company.
Lastly, people should have a reasonable expectation they can sell their business and provide for their retirement (like an employee can do). In 2017, a shareholder (who may be a family member or someone who holds shares through a family trust) of a qualified business is exempt from taxation up to just over $835,000 from the sale of the shares of the business. The government is now proposing new restrictions for claiming this exemption. Also, they are proposing that if a shareholder sells shares of the family business after July 18, 2017 to a family member’s corporation, the gain may be taxed as a dividend rather than as a capital gain. Further, if the shares were originally acquired from another family member, there could be double taxation—this could adversely impact the transfer of businesses from one generation to the next.
Atlantic Canadians can not risk additional economic uncertainty such wide-sweeping tax changes could create. The consequences could mean business creation is stalled, business owners will increase prices, or jobs are reduced or not created. We need economic policy and taxation solutions to work for Atlantic Canadians, that support business and create jobs, and we need to be properly consulted on any tax changes. Visit the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce’s website (extendthetaxdeadline.ca) to learn more, share your business impact story, and to send a letter to your MP with a clear message for the Finance Minister to extend the consultation deadline on the Taxation of Private Corporations beyond October 2nd, 2017.
Sheri Somerville
CEO
Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
Fall Flavours Festival showcases local talent
Fall Flavours Festival showcases local talent
A huge thank you to all of the local chefs showcasing their talents at the Chamber’s third annual Fall Festival of Flavours. Gifts from our sponsor Sara Bonnyman Pottery were presented to the top chef in each category by Chamber president Alex Stevenson.
The top chefs were determined by taster’s votes during the evening as the dishes were samples.
Every dish was a delight for the taste buds and all chefs are thanked for their time and participation in this event that show cases some of the best chef talent food in Colchester.
The winners of the evening are: Taco Stiles, Mari Ann Stiles – Top Appetizer; Frank and Gino’s, Executive chef James White and sous chef Chad Neil - Top Main; and Great British Grub, Jane Elgee- Top Dessert.
The top overall chef award sponsored by Acadian Trophies, named by receiving the greatest total number of votes by tasters, was awarded to Mari Ann Stiles, Taco Stiles.
This event was generously supported by our sponsors Sara Bonnyman Pottery, Green Diamond, Acadia Trophies, Community Credit Union, Truro Nissan, Select Nova Scotia, Town of Truro, Burchell MacDougall and Investors Group.
Thank you all for joining us to support you Chamber that works to provide advocacy and support to the business community.
Job Opportunity - Part-time Events Coordinator
Job Opportunity - Part-time Events Coordinator
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is looking to add a dedicated, flexible, resourceful individual to its team to fill the role of part-time Events Coordinator. This position is responsible for assisting with event planning and coordination, as well as member services.
Minimum 12 hours per week, plus additional hours as required during events
Job Description/ Qualifications:
- Assist with planning and coordinating Chamber events such as: monthly Lunch & Learns, Political Engagements, Curling Bonspiel, Annual Gala, Kitchen Party, Fall Flavours Festival, Annual Fun Golf Tournament, Small Business Week, and other business related events
- Calculate budgets and ensure they are adhered to
- Book talent, including musicians, bands, and disc jockeys
- Select chefs or catering companies to prepare food for event
- Visit event venue to plan layout of seating and decorations
- Schedule speakers, vendors, and participants
- Coordinate and monitor event timelines and ensure deadlines are met
- Initiates, coordinates and/or participates in all efforts to publicize event
- Edit and design promotional materials
- Prepare presentations
- Negotiate and secure event space
- Secure sponsorships
- Manage registration lists
- Manage correspondence
- Coordinate event logistics, including registration and attendee tracking, presentation and materials support pre- and post-event
- Keep inventory of decorations and other display materials
- Develop and distribute weekly E-Newsletter
- Maintain event calendar on Chamber website
- Development of promotional material
- Liaising with current and potential members
- Assist Executive Director and Office Administrator with duties as assigned
- Experience in event planning and working in the not-for-profit sector with an elected board considered an asset
Please forward your resume and cover letter to [email protected] by 4 p.m. April 20th, 2018
We thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Fall Flavours Festival to feature Best Chef competition
Fall Flavours is next Thursday night ! If you haven't booked your tickets yet and are wondering what some of the awesome dishes are that will be served, here's a sneak peek:
** Pan seared Atlantic salmon, Moroccan style pearl couscous, carrot butter sauce topped with spiced fruit salsa
** Vegetarian Squash Soup topped with sour cream and chives and a black pepper tortilla chip topped with crispy fried smoked pork belly, zesty blueberry peach salsa, chipotle crema and cilantro
** Smoked baby back ribs with homemade pork and molasses baked beans
**Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake with candied pumpkin seeds and cinnamon cream
** “ Bangers and Mash” Candied Bratwurst Sausage, Cranberry & Red Onion Chutney and Chive Mash
** Baked “Pumpkin & Apple Smoothie” with kisses of cinnamon
Served along side “Smoked Turkey on a Grilled Bun, topped with homemade stuffing & cranberry sauce
** Fire Roasted Beet Soup with Nova Scotia honey and fresh thyme
** “Apple Charlotte” served on a vanilla custard
** Berry Ice Tea & “Heart of Darkness” Dark Roast Coffee
** Shortbread/Fruit Cake
** Striploin Pot Pie with “North Shore” Lager
and more.......
Live music with "Julie Johnstone & Friends", cash bar with many local favorites, friends and all this delicious food ! Call Fran @ 895-6328 to book your seat.
Chamber hosting event to discuss proposed federal tax changes
News Release
Chamber hosting event to discuss proposed federal tax changes
TRURO - The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce is actively lobbying against proposed changes to federal tax policy that have the potential for widespread repercussions to small business in Canada.
The Department of Finance Canada is considering major changes to how corporations are taxed. The proposed rules could have a significant impact on many Canadian businesses: potentially raising taxes, increasing the administrative burden on SMEs and heightening the impact on family-run businesses.
“The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce is concerned about the potential impacts on business resulting from the Federal Government’s proposed tax changes,” said Chamber President Alex Stevenson. “As the ‘voice’ of more than 400 member businesses in this region, we are engaged in advocacy efforts to express our member’s concerns directly to the Federal Government.”
The Chamber has fielded a number of inquiries from concerned businesses, uncertain of the implications of the proposed changes. This Chamber joins an intensive national lobbying effort by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce representing 20,000 Canadian businesses.
Stevenson and Executive Director Sherry Martell met with Cumberland-Colchester MP Bill Casey on Aug. 29 to share concerns expressed by local businesses regarding the potential changes. The Chamber has also engaged in discussions with industry advocates who have similar concerns.
The tax changes are aimed at three areas, income sprinkling, which allows business owners to lower their tax rate by splitting income with family members in lower tax brackets; Capital gains, targeting people who claim regular business income as capital gains which are taxed at a lower rate; and passive income, limiting so-called “passive investment income” which involves removing cash from a business to invest in things such as real estate, rather than reinvesting in the company.
On Sept. 13 the chamber will be hosting a lunch session with Greg Mosher, senior accountant at MNP LLP, to help businesses potentially affected by the proposed changes understand the impact on their operations. This event is open to everyone, members and non-members, and will be held at the Holiday Inn, beginning at noon. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $20 for members plus HST and $25 for non-members. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 902-895-6328 or email [email protected]
Chamber and member partners launch new award to support start-ups
TRURO –The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of its inaugural Start-Up Legacy Award Investing in Entrepreneurs provided in partnership with several of its members.
This new award, designed to offer support to a budding local entrepreneur, will be presented in October during BDC Small Business Week to assist the recipient in taking their venture to the next level.
“Encouraging new business start-ups is important for the future economic prosperity of our region,” said Chamber President Alex Stevenson. “The Start-Up Legacy Award is one example of how the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce is working to support these efforts.
Stevenson said the new award aligns with the organization’s vision, where they see the Colchester business community as collaborative, connected and thriving.
A viable start-up located within Truro and Colchester region, a business that is just beginning to develop, will be identified through a submission selection process and provide it with a one-time $2,500 cash prize as well as in-kind supports, products and services, from our partnering businesses Caldwell Roach Insurance, Burchell MacDougall Lawyers, Colchester Printing, Sid Sells Signs, D & D Bookkeeping, Caliper Canada, CBDC and Hub Now.
The total prize package is valued at about $9,000.
The Chamber is now welcoming submissions for this legacy award. Details and a submission form can be found on the Chamber’s website and Facebook page. Finalists will be selected from submissions received by Friday, Sept. 29, 2017 and will be invited to share their idea with a panel of judges from partnering sponsors in early October.
Legacy award -link
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07eek8vk1bj7829vzt/start
This program is open to an individual or partners with a business idea that needs capital and professional support. To qualify, you must live within Truro or Colchester region and your business must also operate here.
All entrepreneurs must have ideas or business models in the start-up phase and have earned less than $5,000. Your business idea should stand apart from current businesses in the area, giving you a unique edge on the competition. You must also demonstrate that the funds and support services will have a meaningful impact on business growth and job creation in the local area.
The Chamber is excited to include this new award in its lineup of events during BDC Small Business Week.
The Chamber is now accepting nominations for the following small business awards: New Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Community Credit Union; Small Business Achievement, sponsored by PWC; Export Achievement Award sponsored by NSBI; Small Business Innovation, sponsored by RBC; Excellence in Community Development award sponsored by the Town of Truro; Agriculture/ Agri Small Business Award, sponsored by MNP LLP; and Small Business Growth Award, sponsored by BDC.
“Small business represents 97.9 per cent of all employer businesses in Nova Scotia, therefore hosting the small business awards is very important to the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce,” said the President. “We’re also very honoured to play a role in recognizing small business excellence in our region.”
Award nominations link
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07eefeqfitj5s8v5v6/start
A link to the nomination online form is posted on www.trurocolchesterchamber.com and the Chamber Facebook page. You may also download a form from those locations or hard copies are available from the chamber office at 605 Prince St. (Marigold Cultural Centre), Truro. Nominations for the Small Business Week Awards will be accepted by the Chamber until Oct. 5/17.
Chamber events are open to members and future members. Join them in supporting the local business community. For more information about Chamber activities and events, visit our website www.trurocolchesterchamber.com or our Truro Colchester Chamber Facebook page.