A new survey from the CFIB shows good news for healthcare services and positive signs for retail

Given the unprecedented financial turmoil and subsequent government actions around the world over the last year, Canadian small and mid-sized business confidence has remained where experts might expect.

New findings from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business show a small increase in its March Business Barometer Index although overall optimism remains below a historic average.

"Canadian small and mid-sized business confidence has held firm in light of having to deal with significant levels of economic uncertainty through the early months of 2009," said CFIB's chief economist Ted Mallett.
 
According to the economic indicator, the most optimistic businesses are in Newfoundland and Labrador while survey results place Alberta as the least optimistic province.
 
CFIB says that the health services sector maintains an optimistic index score while retail and hospitality sectors are another bright spot.  Survey results show that the two latter sectors are maintaining above average index readings despite dreary trends in consumer spending. 
 
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