Conducted from October 1 to November 5, Statistics Canada's Survey on Business Conditions asked businesses about their expectations over the next three months and found that 35% of respondents in Alberta expected their profitability to decline compared to 13% who expected it to increase.

This is an improvement over the numbers collected in April, when 42% of Alberta businesses expected their profitability to decline compared to 9% who expected it to increase.

Looking ahead over the next 12 months, optimism outweighs pessimism with 63% of businesses saying they are very or somewhat optimistic versus 23% saying very or somewhat pessimistic. (About 15% of respondents said the future outlook of their business is unknown.)

Back in April, the numbers were a bit better, with 68% in the optimistic camp and 15% feeling pessimistic.

In terms of the obstacles facing Alberta businesses, inflation and supply chain issues were top of mind for many respondents with 46% citing the rising cost of inputs, 36% the cost of insurance, 33% transportation costs, 29% difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies domestically, and 20% difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies from abroad.

Answer to the previous trivia question: According to Spotrac.com, Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers is the highest paid NHL player at US$15 million for the 2021-22 season.

Today’s trivia question: When did the modern Canada-US softwood lumber dispute begin?