The entrepreneurial drought, a sustained period of four or more quarters where business exits outpace new business entries, has been ongoing since early 2024.
CFIB’s March Business Barometer shows fuel costs are a major constraint for 42% of Alberta small businesses, demonstrating the scale and seriousness of the issue.
Business owners continue to face obstacles such as duplicative testing requirements, inconsistent provincial regulations, and restrictions on moving goods and services across provincial borders.
An overwhelming majority (90%) of small businesses say governments should prioritize increasing Canada's energy production and capacity to better support the economy and ensure businesses have reliable access to the energy they need to operate.
According to CFIB’s Monthly Business Barometer, skilled labour shortages remain the second highest constraint on sales and growth for 39% of small businesses.
Three-quarters (75%) of small businesses say the tariff fight has strained their relationships with U.S. partners or clients, up sharply from 49% in March 2025.
Confidence levels among almost all provinces hovered just above or around their historical averages, while most sectors saw gains in their 12-month outlook.
Provinces and the federal government have delivered several additional milestones, including additional mutual recognition legislation, eliminating internal trade exceptions and most recently signing the landmark pan-Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement (CRMA).
CFIB’s estimates and forecasts in partnership with AppEco suggest the Canadian economy grew by 0.6% in the fourth quarter of 2025 and is expected to grow by 3.4% in Q1 2026.
Rebates will be based on the number of T4s issued by an employer, and the Canada Revenue Agency will automatically issue the rebates to eligible businesses in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.