City of Red Deer leads Canada in CFIB’s first municipal report card

City of Red Deer leads Canada in CFIB’s first municipal report card

Published 8:58 am Tuesday, September 15, 2026

The City of Red Deer has the highest grade among all Canadian municipalities in the first-ever Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) municipal report card.

The CFIB recently released the Open for Business: Canada’s 2026 Municipal Report Card, which provided a C+ rating for Red Deer. The other top municipalities were Saskatoon, Sask. (C); Strathcona County (C); Toronto, Ont. (C); Ottawa, Ont. (C-); Oshawa, Ont. (C-); Brampton, Ont. (C-); Markham, Ont. (C-); Waterloo, Ont. (C-); and Kitchener, Ont. (D).

The report card evaluates municipalities across 11 indicators measuring cost burden, regulatory burden and small business friendliness. The report is based on data collected up to Dec. 31, 2025, so the results should be viewed primarily as a benchmark for measuring future progress under Alberta’s newly elected municipal councils, CFIB stated on Sept. 15.

“These results reflect conditions that existed throughout 2025 and, in many cases, before newly elected councils had an opportunity to implement significant changes,” said Keyli Loeppky, CFIB senior director of Alberta and interprovincial affairs.

“What matters now is the direction municipalities take over the next few years. CFIB will continue tracking results and holding councils accountable for creating an environment where small businesses can succeed.”

The results highlight opportunities for local governments across Alberta to improve affordability, reduce red tape and create a more supportive environment for small businesses, the CFIB stated.

“While there is plenty of room for improvement in grades, we’re encouraged by the willingness we’ve seen from many Alberta municipalities to engage with the small business community,” said Loeppky.

“Local governments play an important role in creating an environment where entrepreneurs can succeed, and we’re committed to working collaboratively with municipalities that want to improve their business climate.”

The report identifies several opportunities for municipalities to improve their business environment, including:

— Addressing commercial property tax fairness;

— Reducing red tape by eliminating unnecessary permits and licences;

— Publishing service standards and permit timelines;

— Improving digital services for businesses;

— Adopting stronger construction mitigation policies;

— Making municipal procurement opportunities more accessible to small businesses.

“With budget season approaching, municipalities have an opportunity to show small businesses they understand the realities entrepreneurs are facing, including rising costs and ongoing trade uncertainty, and are committed to helping them succeed,” said Loeppky.

“The choices councils make over the coming months will do far more to determine their future grade than the score reflected in this year’s report card. Small business owners will be watching closely.”

CFIB will continue to publish future editions of the Municipal Report Card to track progress, recognize improvements and highlight best practices across Canadian municipalities.