Small business optimism slipped three points this month according to a report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
The CFIB says optimism was high over the last three months, but it lost a little steam this month dropping to 61.8.
Director of Provincial Affairs Denis Robichaud says despite the small drop, the result is one of the better readings they’ve seen in the last few years.
He adds it’s looking good for hiring this spring, with 21 percent of business owners expecting to hire full time workers, compared to 6 percent who said they were likely to cut staff.
Robichaud says a worrying number was only 34 percent of of owners said their businesses are in good shape.
He adds business owners are waiting to see what changes may come in the next provincial budget, saying they are worried about tax hikes and fee increases.