Business conditions in Canada, first quarter of 2026

Release date: February 27, 2026 Correction date: March 18, 2026
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Correction Notice

On March 18, 2026, the survey weights applied across all Canadian Survey on Business Conditions tables for the first quarter of 2026 were corrected. Revisions were made to this infographic accordingly. All data points were revised in the first three sections, with revisions ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 percentage points. There were no changes to the last section of the infographic.

Infographic: Business conditions in Canada, first quarter of 2026
Description: Business conditions in Canada, first quarter of 2026
Top obstacles expected by businesses over the next 3 months Table summary
The information is grouped by Inflation (appearing as row headers), , calculated using (appearing as column headers).
Inflation 40.6%
Recruiting skilled employees 24.8%
Cost of inputs 24.2%
Costs of insurance 22.7%
Fluctuations in consumer demand 22.2%
Nearly one-third of businesses reported higher revenues in 2025 than in 2024 Table summary
This table displays the results of Nearly one-third of businesses reported higher revenues in 2025 than in 2024 , calculated using (appearing as column headers).
  Percentage of businesses Average percentage change in revenues
… not applicable
Higher revenues 31.8% 18.6%
Similar revenues 37.0% …
Lower revenues 31.2% -25.8%
Over two-fifths of businesses expect their average wages to be higher over the next 12 months Table summary
This table displays the results of Over two-fifths of businesses expect their average wages to be higher over the next 12 months , calculated using (appearing as column headers).
  Percentage of businesses
Higher wages 40.8%
Similar wages 46.4%
Lower wages 3.5%
Unsure of changes to wages 9.2%
Representation of women and men in management and non-management positions Note 1
  Women Men
Senior management positions 40.0% 60.0%
All other management positions 46.9% 53.1%
All other positions 45.1% 54.9%

Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Survey on Business Conditions, first quarter of 2026.

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Published by authority of the Minister responsible for Statistics Canada.

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Industry, 2026

Use of this publication is governed by the Statistics Canada Open Licence Agreement.

Catalogue no. 11-627-M

Frequency: Occasional

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