Long-term small business confidence in Saskatchewan is sitting at 50.8 points in February – 14 points below the national average (64.8) – according to the latest Monthly Business Barometer® (MBB) by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

The shortage of skilled labour remains the top concern for Saskatchewan small businesses, with over half, at 53 per cent, reporting this as a challenge this month. Additionally, over half of businesses are struggling with insufficient demand.

Meanwhile, 74 percent cite tax and regulatory costs; 66 per cent say insurance costs and 51 per cent point to occupancy costs (rent, property taxes, mortgage) as being among 51 per cent of the top cost pressures weighing on businesses.