Optimism among Canada's small and mid-sized businesses grew slightly in February, according to a report released Wednesday by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, marking three straight months of findings indicative of a healthy economy.
The CFIB Business Barometer Index finished February at 69.4 - up from 68.9 the previous month - with Manitoba leading all other provinces in confidence at an index of 74.2 and Ontario at 69 points.
"This is easily the most optimistic business owners have been post-recession," said CFIB vice president and chief economist Ted Mallett in a statement. "Short term expectations are normally strong this time of year when many businesses start planning for the spring and summer seasons, but this February's indications are even stronger than February 2010."
However, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia maintained their position as the most troubled regions for small business, as both provinces saw declines in optimism with barometer readings of 59 and 65.4, respectively.
Improvements in hiring and federal stimulus measures, as well as a slight decline in corporate income tax rates, may have contributed to general improvement in confidence.
