Franchising is the 12th largest industry in Canada, supporting nearly two million jobs and giving tens of thousands of Canadians the opportunity to own their own small business. The Canadian Franchise Association fights every day to protect the franchise business model and ensure governments adopt policies that allow franchised small businesses to grow, hire, and serve their communities. By supporting the CFA Advocacy Fund, you help ensure the industry has the resources it needs to protect the dream of everyday Canadians to own their own small business through the power of franchising.
Donate NowCFA’S 2026 ADVOCACY PRIORITIES
Common Employer
“Common Employer” rules can allow courts to treat franchisors and franchisees as a single employer, potentially creating shared liability for wages, benefits, and employment claims. The franchise model is built on independent small business ownership. Franchisees hire employees and manage daily operations, while franchisors provide brand standards and support. The CFA is advocating for legislative clarity, including a four-factor test, to ensure franchisors are not held responsible for employment decisions made by independent franchisees.
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Fairness for Franchised Small Businesses
Franchisees are independent small business owners and should be treated the same as other small businesses under government programs, regulations, and legislation. The CFA advocates for policies that recognize the independence of franchised small businesses and ensure they are not excluded from programs, incentives, or regulatory treatment simply because they operate under a recognized brand.
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Access to Labour
Labour shortages continue to affect franchised small businesses across Canada, making it difficult to fill positions and maintain operations. The CFA calls on governments to remove barriers to employment and ensure small businesses have reliable access to the workers they need to serve customers and support economic growth.
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Access to Capital
Access to capital is critical for entrepreneurs looking to start or expand a franchised small business. The CFA advocates for policies and programs that improve financing opportunities for franchisees and support investment in local businesses and communities.
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Taxes
The CFA encourages the Ontario government to continue maintaining a low corporate income tax rate and strengthening tax credits that help small business owners, including franchisees. The CFA also supports policies that keep tax structures entrepreneur-friendly and explores targeted incentives that can encourage growth, such as opening new franchise locations.
Employment Standards
Employment standards legislation should protect workers while remaining practical for small business employers. The CFA advocates for simpler rules, plain-language guidance, and better compliance tools so franchised small businesses can focus on serving customers and growing their businesses.
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Fair Treatment Under Environmental Legislation
Franchised small businesses support environmental stewardship and waste reduction initiatives. However, in some jurisdictions, Extended Producer Responsibility regulations treat franchisors and franchisees as a single entity, even though franchisees are independent small business owners. This can place franchised small businesses at a competitive disadvantage compared with non-franchised businesses. The CFA is advocating for franchise-specific small business thresholds and separate treatment of franchisor and franchisee materials to ensure franchised small businesses are treated fairly under environmental regulations.
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