Small business optimism declining in Manitoba

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Published on Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Submitted article

The Neepawa Press

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has released its latest business barometer index, which shows small business optimism in Manitoba fell to an index of 66.4 in December from an index of 68.0 in November. The December index is above Manitoba’s five year average of 63.8 and above the current national index of 55.7.

“Manitoba’s small business optimism struggled in 2015, seeing more downs than ups throughout the year,” noted Elliot Sims, CFIB’s Director of Provincial Affairs.

In 2015, Manitoba’s small business optimism averaged 59.5, which is slightly higher than the Canadian average of 59.1, but well below the province’s five year average.

Nationally, December has been the weakest month of the year since the 2008-09 financial crisis. The final barometer index of 2015 registered only 55.7, a decline of three points from November’s tepid 58.7 and well under readings from the first half of the year when GDP growth was negative.

Nova Scotia picked up four points to reach 71.0, the highest mark in the country, while Alberta set an all-time record low for the second time in four months, plummeting to 33.1. Alberta remains by far the weakest in the country and the only province below the national average.