Optimism in the small business sector in Saskatchewan fell in September to an index of 52.1; that’s down about 2 points from August. The national average is 59.3. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says our province’s numbers put us nearly 12 points below the range of index levels normally associated with an economy that is growing at its potential. Marilyn Braun-Pollon, Vice-President, Prairie and Agri-business says, “Hiring plans have also remained weak, with 24 per cent of business-owners planning layoffs in the next three months”. That is near a record high for lay-offs. Only seven percent plan on hiring. Only 28 per cent of businesses in the province say their overall state of business is good. She says there is no doubt that the costly federal carbon tax, the ongoing ag-trade uncertainty with China, and the harvest delays are contributing factors.