Throughout the CFA’s National Convention, keynote speakers and panelists alike repeatedly stressed the urgency of proactive advocacy of the Canadian franchise sector’s many benefits to combat a lack of understanding of the franchise model among the public, legislators and the judiciary to foster continued growth. A key takeaway for everyone interested in promoting and protecting the franchise model is that collectively we must educate politicians and policy makers about franchising and how franchisees positively impact communities in which they serve.

This was underlined in the Convention Keynote Address by Charlie Chase, President and CEO, First Service Brands, and Past Chair of the International Franchise Association, who implored his Canadian colleagues to get in front of decision-makers and educate them about the reality of franchising’s community economic contribution to prevent common employer legislation being imposed in this country, as it has in many U.S. states.

Chase stressed:

• Common employer legislation devalues both franchisees and franchisors;
• Dispelling the misinformed view that franchisors have deep pockets from large revenue shares through high royalty rates of 50 per cent or more is important;
• Informing decision makers that franchisees return over 90 per cent of revenues to local economies – not Seattle – is key;
• Inviting legislators into franchisee businesses in their communities to demonstrate how their work is vital to the communities they serve and the politician’s riding’s health; and
• Educating everyone that franchisees are not employees of franchisors but are local, small business owners who contribute as leaders, employers, and philanthropists in their communities is crucial.

One of the key opportunities for the CFA community to educate politicians and policy makers is at the upcoming Franchise Awareness Day at Queen’s Park on May 31, 2023.

Get involved and protect your franchise system and your franchisees! RSVP today to register to take part in Franchise Awareness Day at Queen’s Park.