Canada’s CFIB Business Barometer long-term index, which tracks 12-month forward expectations for business performance, climbed to 64.8 in February 2026, up from January’s revised 59.3. This marked the highest reading since April 2022, signaling renewed optimism among small businesses for the year ahead. Long-term confidence rose in all provinces except Saskatchewan. The short-term optimism index, reflecting a three-month outlook, surged 8.7 points to 61.2, highlighting a notable improvement in business sentiment.
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Canada Small Business Confidence Hits Highest Since 2022
Canada’s CFIB Business Barometer long-term index, which tracks 12-month forward expectations for business performance, climbed to 64.8 in February 2026, up from January’s revised 59.3. This marked the highest reading since April 2022, signaling renewed optimism among small businesses for the year ahead. Long-term confidence rose in all provinces except Saskatchewan. The short-term optimism index, reflecting a three-month outlook, surged 8.7 points to 61.2, highlighting a notable improvement in business sentiment.