The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is highlighting a sharp increase in crime being seen by businesses across the country.
According to new stats released by the organization, 50 per cent of small business owners say there has been an increase in crime in their communities over the last year, while only two per cent have reported a decrease.
Moreover, police-reported shoplifting of $5,000 or less rose 14 per cent in 2024, which is part of a larger 66 per cent increase since 2014.
Director of Legislative Affairs with the CFIB, Jonathan Galgay, says Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province in Canada where both the crime rate and Crime Severity Index have been steadily increasing since 2020.
As well, he says Canada is going through an “entrepreneurial drought” – meaning more businesses are leaving, than entering.
He says there are a lot of social issues and people struggling in the province right now, which can result in more crime. “There’s a whole host of issues at play; I don’t think there’s necessarily one in particular.”
The CFIB is offering a number of recommendations, including changes to the Criminal Code, more opportunities for engagement on policy changes, and rebates for businesses when they buy things like security cameras.
The “bottom line”, says Galgay, is that they want to see police address the issues through strict response times and consistent follow-up with business owners.
