Optimism in the business community continues to rise in Saskatchewan. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says its monthly Business Barometer gives us an index of 47.6, up from 42.7 in January which was an increase from 40.0 in December. That still leaves us nearly 13 points back of the national average of 60.5. An index above 50 means owners expecting their business performance to be stronger in the next year outnumber those expecting weaker performance. An index of between 65 and 70 would indicate the economy is growing at its potential.

Vice-President, Western Canada and Agri-business, Marilyn Braun-Pollon says, “While its encouraging to see that small business optimism increased in the province in February, it is important to recognize it still remains well below the national average.” She says business owners are looking for some much needed tax and regulatory relief in the upcoming federal and provincial government budgets, especially given ag-trade uncertainty, the federal carbon tax, CP premium increases, and concerns about the on-going rail blockades.