We reported last week that the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions indicated an increase in overall business confidence in Alberta.

The rise in positive sentiment is corroborated by the latest Business Barometer® report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

Although down from the recent high of 59.4 seen in August 2023, the long-term index for Alberta rose 4.2 points to 53.7 in February.*

Sentiment over the shorter term was weaker at 46.5 in February, but this was 5.1 points higher than in January.

Insufficient domestic demand (mentioned by 46% of respondents), a shortage of skilled labour (43%) and a shortage of working capital (39%) were the top three limitations on sales/production growth cited by Alberta small business owners.

Nationally, the long-term index shot up by 6.1 points to 54.9 in February while the short-term index rose 8.2 points to 51.1—the highest levels since May 2023.

*Data reflect responses received from February 1 to the 12. The long-term optimism index is based on how businesses expect to be performing in 12 months while the short-term optimism index is based on a 3-month outlook.

Answer to the previous trivia question: Although not the first person to use it, Canadian author Douglas Coupland is credited with popularizing the moniker “generation X” via his 1991 novel Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture.

Today’s trivia question: Frances Perkins was the first woman appointed to a U.S. President’s Cabinet. Which executive office did she lead?