Eliminating the GST on goods deemed essential by the federal government had very little effect on spending at small businesses, a survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business suggests. (The Logic)

Talking point: While the Liberals’ $1.5-billion tax exemption wasn’t specifically designed to bolster independent companies, Small Business Minister Rechie Valdez said at the time it would spur foot traffic and spending during the post-Christmas sales lull. Yet CFIB says only about four per cent of retail companies surveyed saw a bump in sales compared to the same period the previous year. The results show about 15 per cent of hospitality businesses saw stronger sales. The majority of the 2,345 small firms surveyed reported no change in sales, but had to endure the administrative headache of reprogramming their point-of-sale systems during the holiday rush, the group said. The exemption, which applies to food, beverages and children’s goods like clothes, diapers and toys, is set to end on Saturday.