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The Saskatoon Chamber released the latest edition of its Saskatoon Chamber Business Snapshot today — a quarterly, data-driven overview of the local business landscape. According to the newest figures from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab (BDL), Saskatoon businesses are now reporting softening confidence, more in line with national trends. While optimism had remained comparatively stronger in recent quarters, current results point to weakening expectations and growing caution across the local business community.
This latest snapshot highlights key local trends in business expectations, obstacles, and overall sentiment:
Business Outlook
- Outlook Remains Weak Nationally: Canada’s Business Outlook Index continues to fall short of the neutral mark of 100, indicating a subdued business climate.
- Saskatoon’s Outlook Shifts downward in Q3: Business confidence shifts in Q3. Declines of 7–11 points hit Hamilton, Saskatoon, Windsor, and Ottawa-Gatineau amid trade and fiscal headwinds.

Top Obstacles for Business
- Inflation Still the Leading Concern: Rising inflation remains the number one issue for businesses both in Saskatoon and across the country.
- Recruiting Skilled Workers Worrisome: Talent attraction is climbing the list of top obstacles in Saskatoon, reflecting growing pressure in an already tight labour market.

Business Sentiment
- Optimism Contracts: Business sentiment has taken another dip, with optimism among Saskatoon businesses easing back to 75% from 80% last quarter.
- Low Levels of Pessimism: Only 15% of businesses anticipate a decline in their operations over the next 12 months.
