{
  "id": 7917132,
  "title": "Winnipeg’s failing grade starting point, not final word: CFIB",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/winnipegs-failing-grade-starting-point-not-final-word-cfib",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-17T01:13:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/2026/09/16/winnipegs-failing-grade-starting-point-not-final-word-cfib"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Winnipeg has received a failing grade from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) in its inaugural \"municipal report card.\" The city ranked 33rd out of 66 municipalities assessed, earning an F and an overall score of 4.84 out of 10. This assessment examined cost burden, regulatory burden, and small-business friendliness using 11 indicators. Despite the failing grade, CFIB spokesperson Brianna Solberg emphasized that the report serves as a starting point for improvement, noting that over half of the cities received an F grade. Winnipeg scored 6.8 out of 10 in cost burden, 2.5 out of 10 in regulatory burden, and 5.7 out of 10 in small-business friendliness. Mayor Scott Gillingham acknowledged the report but highlighted recent progress in reducing red tape. The CFIB recommends improvements in property tax fairness, relief for small businesses, and planning major construction projects with businesses in mind.",
  "summary": "Winnipeg is one of nearly 40 municipalities to receive a failing grade from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business in the organization’s inaugural “municipal report card.” The Manitoba capital ranked […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Winnipeg received an F grade from CFIB in its inaugural municipal report card.",
    "The city scored 4.84 out of 10, ranking 33rd out of 66 municipalities.",
    "CFIB spokesperson emphasized the report as a starting point for improvement."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}