A summary of interviews conducted by the Bank's regional offices with the senior management of about 100 firms, selected in accordance with the composition of Canada's gross domestic product.
The survey's purpose is to gather the perspectives of these businesses on topics of interest to the Bank of Canada (such as demand and capacity pressures) and their forward-looking views on economic activity.
Note: The opinions expressed are those of the respondents, and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Bank of Canada. The method of sample selection ensures a good cross-section of opinion. Nevertheless, the statistical reliability of the survey is limited, given the small sample size.
While some forward-looking indicators have moved up, many firms cited concerns about demand over next year and pressures from increased competition.
The results of the autumn survey suggest that, in an environment of slow global economic growth and uncertainty about demand, firms have tem¬pered their expectations for business activity.
Responses to the summer survey suggest that businesses generally remain positive about the outlook, but are mindful of renewed uncertainty regarding the global economic environment.
The results of the spring survey point to more optimism among firms than in the winter survey, as some of the uncertainty dampening the economic outlook has dissipated.
