CFIB Says NB Business Optimism is Low

Here in the Atlantic Provinces, optimism about small business is at the lowest level in Canada--that from the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses. The Business Barometer Index for the province is at 61.7--which is up two points from December--but that's still well below the national average of 65.2

Policy analyst Richard Dunn of CFIB says it's because everyone is waiting to see what the provincial budget will bring next month. If the government fails to develop a solid plan to deal with its debt, we could see that trickle down into the business market.

Dunn says as businesses get back on their feet to where they were before the recession, CFIB expects the numbers will improve.