Big thumbs down from small business

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says City Hall is "underperforming" in the eyes of small business owner. The CFIB has conducted surveys across the province, and released the results for this region today:

A total of 617 businesses in Ottawa took part in CFIB's face-to-face survey between July 2009 and June 2010. When asked, How do you rate the local government where your business is situated on the following issues?, here's how these business owners responded:

Overall awareness of small business sector - 4% Good;19% Adequate; 77% Poor

Reasonable property tax levels - 4% Good;26% Adequate; 70% Poor

Fairness of by-laws and regulations - 4% Good;43% Adequate; 53% Poor

Control of government wage levels -4% Good;19% Adequate; 77% Poor

Value-for-money of public services - 3% Good;32% Adequate; 65% Poor

Compared to seven other municipalities (Barrie, Brockville, Collingwood, Kingston, Perth, Peterborough and Quinte West), Ottawa rated poorly in just about every area. Candidates, take note!