A trade dispute with the U.S. paired with a devastating wildfire season will result in quite a slow summer for small Saskatchewan businesses, especially those that rely on tourism.

Brianna Solberg with the Canadian Federation of Independant Business says although Canadians are spending more of their money inside the country this summer, she doubts it will offset a lack of cross border flights.

“It will certainly help, but I do not think it will help completely offset the loss of U.S. tourists. Many of our members, when we look to our survey comments, are calling for de-escalation of this trade dispute, because they see it having a significant impact on their operations.”

She says 50 per cent of small Sask. business owners are concerned about the topic. CFIB calls on the province to provide financial supports to small businesses in this time of need, as Manitoba has done with tax deferrals.

She adds that wildfires have displaced families, driven away visitors, and shifted local economies from hospitality to emergency response.

Small businesses aren’t the only ones feeling the pinch.

“When access to lakes, campgrounds, and wilderness areas are cut off, it impacts lodges, outfitters, restaurants, and retailers all across the region.”

Locally, according to the recent Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce quarterly business snapshot, Saskatoon businesses are reporting a stronger, more positive outlook than many of their counterparts across the country, with 80 per cent being optimistic about the year ahead. Only 15% of businesses anticipate a decline in their operations over the next 12 months.