1. www.cfib.ca Agenda CFIB in PEI Why we’re here CFIB’s Achieving Eco-prosperity Report Other member concerns

2. www.cfib.ca About CFIB Largest business association in Canada and PEI 1,100 Island members from all industry sectors Not-for-profit, member-funded Non-partisan Policy agenda set by our members: One Member, One Vote

3. www.cfib.ca The Power of Entrepreneurs: About more than business Economic Contributions : SMEs employ 2/3 of working Islanders SMEs create 60% of new jobs in PEI SMEs responsible for 45% of PEI’s GDP Source: Statistics Canada SMEs contribute time and money to amateur sports, arts and culture, youth activities Many roles: volunteers, trainers, parents, activities, leaders Sources: CFIB Building Better Communities Survey, 2005 Social Contributions :

4. www.cfib.ca Achieving Eco-Prosperity Key message from SMEs: It is possible to protect the environment & grow the economy at the same time.

5. www.cfib.ca Achieving Eco-prosperity Important environmental issues for PEI’s SMEs: Energy Conservation- 64% Clean water/sewage- 58% Recycling- 55% Climate change/greenhouse gases- 53%

6. www.cfib.ca Achieving Eco-prosperity Most businesses have already made some changes to conserve energy

7. www.cfib.ca Types of changes made: Reduced electricity use- 62% Expanded recycling- 58% Changes to buildings- 42% Use of environmentally-friendly products- 40% Achieving Eco-prosperity

8. www.cfib.ca Key motivators for changes: Achieving Eco-prosperity

9. www.cfib.ca Key barriers to change: Achieving Eco-prosperity

10. www.cfib.ca Achieving Eco-prosperity What government can do:

11. www.cfib.ca Achieving Eco-prosperity Agriculture industry More likely to have made changes because of government regulations More concerned about use of regulations and financial penalties to achieve change

12. www.cfib.ca Achieving Eco-prosperity Recommendations: Better communication/information of environmental opportunities Simplify regulations & reduce paper burden Refrain from new environmental taxes

13. www.cfib.ca Other SME concerns Fuel taxes Maritime Electric Rates

14. www.cfib.ca SME’s Priorities for Budget 2008 Reduce Total Tax Burden Personal Income Tax Small Business Corporate Income Tax Fuel Taxes Reduce Regulatory Burden Balance the budget

15. www.cfib.ca Key messages Small business needs to be priority in environment & energy mandate Communication is key Regulatory reform is needed CFIB can be a resource