Annual business survey results released
Steinbach MLA, Kelvin Goertzen, says his annual survey of Steinbach area businesses shows concern about the increasing level of provincial debt and a rejection of the 1% increase in the PST.
“The clear message that I received from the business owners that responded to the survey is that they expect the NDP government to get its fiscal house in order and to find savings within government because higher taxes and higher debt will impact the economy and their businesses,” said Goertzen.
Among the survey results:
- 91% or business owners said they felt the high levels of provincial government debt will negatively impact the provincial economy.
- 92% said the doubling of the provincial debt was the result of NDP mismanagement and not factors beyond the governments control.
- 78% said government could find ways to reduce the deficit without cutting important services. 8% didn’t believe they could and 14% were uncertain.
- 76% said they would be against Manitoba Public Insurance premiums being used to fix and build roads, 9% said they would support it, while 15% were unsure or needed more information.
- 72% said they would be against an increase in the PST from 7% to 8% even if the additional point was dedicated exclusively to roads. 15% said they would support it and the remainder were unsure or needed more information.
- The greatest challenge to local business owners was high taxes, with 40% identifying this is their main concern. 39% said government red tape was their biggest challenge.
“The results have been very helpful for me in responding to the NDP budget and their proposed increase in the PST. Our local entrepreneurs have been very successful and I think the NDP would do well to listen to their views,” said Goertzen.
To date Goertzen has received survey responses from about 125 businesses.
