(Unsplash photo)
The share of Ontario small businesses directly affected by community safety issues has increased significantly in the last year, jumping from 24 per cent in 2023 to 40 per cent in 2024, finds a new report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
Waste and litter, vandalism/breaking and entering, theft/shoplifting, and loitering are the most common types of crime Ontario small businesses experience.
“Many small businesses are still in recovery, telling us that demand continues to be low for their products and services. The last thing they need are the extra costs – both emotional and financial – of having their goods stolen, windows broken, and property vandalized, “said Ryan Mallough, CFIB’s vice president of legislative affairs for Ontario.
(Sherry Haaima)