The cost of doing business remains among the key areas of concern for small business owners in Newfoundland and Labrador and they’re looking for some relief.

Last week was Small Business Week, and Executive Director of the NL Employers’ Council, Jaclyn Sullivan, says small business owners make huge contributions to the community, often at great personal sacrifice.

She says among the biggest issues facing small business today are the ongoing labour crunch and the cost of doing business itself. She says the Employers’ Council and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business are both pushing government for the reduction or elimination of the insurance tax.

She says Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest insurance tax on properties in the country. She calls that a great disincentive, especially at a time when officials are turning to the business community to invest in housing. They want the province to eliminate the tax as a greater incentive.