The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says small business confidence in Saskatchewan fell to 54.2 points in December. It is a 4-point decline in the Monthly Business Barometer® compared to the month prior.

Brianna Solberg, CFIB director of provincial affairs for the prairies and Northern Canada says it’s disappointing to see small business confidence drop during what many hoped would be a busy holiday shopping season. She notes that unfortunately, the Canada Post strike caused significant disruptions, delaying shipments and impacting sales.

Solberg suggests that adding to the challenges, the federal government’s temporary GST/HST holiday, which is designed to boost spending, has created logistical headaches and with just two weeks’ notice, owners had to scramble to implement the changes, and they’ll face the same challenge when the tax holiday ends in two months.