Small business confidence continues to plunge in Alberta

Alberta’s small business confidence continues to plunge, moving closer to its lowest point ever, says the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

Its latest Business Barometer shows Alberta’s outlook dropped another 1.4 points in June to 44.3, putting it 15 points below the national average of 59.4.

“Small business optimism is stuck in low gear and many entrepreneurs are clearly saying they are worried about the future for their business,” said Amber Ruddy, CFIB’s senior policy analyst.

“Elected leaders have a compelling case to mitigate tax, regulatory, and wage costs, not create new headaches.”

The CFIB said 17 per cent of business owners in the province plan to add full- time staff in the next few months and the same number expects to do some cutting. Also, 36 per cent say their companies are in good shape with 17 per cent saying it is bad.

“The premier can start by postponing a hike to the minimum wage,” said Ruddy.