Small business optimism in Saskatchewan in August kicked into high gear. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business monthly Business Barometer indicates optimism increased for the second consecutive month and is now just slightly below the national average. CFIB prairie spokesperson, Marilyn Braun-Pollon says it looks like the beginning of a turnaround from the resource price crunch in 2015 and 16 that affected Saskatchewan’s economy. There are still some challenges ahead, though.
Braun-Pollon lists uncertainty around federal tax changes that will impact businesses, the threat of a carbon tax and whatever will be the result of the NAFTA talks south of the border, which are set to resume tomorrow. One of the positives is the latest Crop Report showing as of last Monday, 27 per cent of the crop was in the bin, well ahead of the 5 year average of 13 per cent.