The Saskatoon Chamber launched its Saskatoon Chamber Business Snapshot today, a quarterly, data-driven overview of the local business landscape. According to the latest figures from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab (BDL), Saskatoon businesses are reporting a stronger, more positive outlook than many of their counterparts across the country. While national indicators suggest weakening confidence, Saskatoon stands out with comparatively higher business expectations and a steady rebound in optimism.

The following snapshot highlights key local trends around business expectations, obstacles, and 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, especially among trade-exposed sectors and small businesses (under five employees).
• Saskatoon’s Outlook Tops List: Saskatoon ranks #3 among Canadian metropolitan areas for positive business outlook, outperforming the national average. Business confidence remains especially low in Southwestern Ontario’s trade-heavy, tariff exposed urban centres.

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 and Retaining Skilled Workers: Talent attraction and retention is climbing the list of top obstacles in Saskatoon, reflecting growing pressure in an already tight labour market.
• Tariff-Driven Cost Increases: New tariffs are reversing recent pricing stability. More firms are now anticipating price increases, which could drive up consumer costs in the near term.

Business Sentiment

• Cautious Optimism Builds: Following a dip in the first quarter, sentiment has improved. Currently, 80% of Saskatoon businesses are optimistic about the year ahead.
• Low Levels of Pessimism: Only 15% of businesses anticipate a decline in their operations over the next 12 months, indicating growing confidence in the local economic outlook.

Download the chart's PDF HERE