CPA Ontario convenes coalition to push for tax review

CPA Ontario has assembled a national coalition of business and agriculture organisations to call on the federal government to commit to a comprehensive tax system review in Budget 2026.

The group includes the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Canadian Federation of Agriculture, and Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

CPA Ontario president and CEO Carol Wilding said: “Canada must act now to reset its economic trajectory with a redesigned tax system focused on growth, competitiveness and innovation.

“While targeted tax reforms are needed, Canada also urgently needs a generational review to ensure our tax system positions Canada for the economy of the 21^st century.”

The organisations stated that fundamental tax reform is required to foster a stronger, more sovereign, and more prosperous Canadian economy.

In a press release, CPA Ontario said the coalition welcomed the federal government’s Productivity Mega-Deduction as a notable move to enhance the country’s investment climate.

However, the organisation indicated that further measures remain necessary.

“Further action is still needed to support entrepreneurship, business expansion and Canada’s future economic prosperity,” the statement added.

In its publication, Tax Reform for Growth in Canada, CPA Ontario argued that the complexity of the existing tax framework diverts resources away from productive pursuits while discouraging investment and new ventures.

The coalition is calling on Ottawa to adopt reforms that encourage entrepreneurship, lift global competitiveness, and reduce administrative complexity across the tax code.

The alliance also urged the federal government to support small businesses and ensure the tax system is equipped for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Candace Laing said: “Business success matters for all of our success. When the federal government introduced the Productivity Mega Deduction this fall, it was a clear signal that Canada was reopening for business. In one fell swoop, it put Canada back on the map as an investment destination.

“However, there are still many tax irritants and compliance challenges that serve to slow business investment and growth, holding back the full promise of a supercycle. Business needs a modern tax code to attract investment, and so our businesses can get back to competing in the new global economy.”