Canada’s business leaders are moderately optimistic about the direction of the economy. Their moderate optimism is reflected in predictions of a moderate increase to their workforce over the next year and in their moderate propensity to anticipate a Q2 slowdown.

Business leaders view low interest rates and the low dollar as drivers of Canada’s recent employment performance. They are also somewhat inclined to believe that Canada’s recovery could turn out to be very strong indeed.

With respect to employment and hiring impediments, business leaders point, above all, to weakness in Canada’s apprenticeship programs. Canada’s business leaders also see the threat posed by the lure of lucrative American salaries, our ageing population, and weaknesses in our post-secondary college system as brakes on employment. Meanwhile, business leaders perceive weaknesses in the university system and failure of business to recognize talent among skilled immigrants to be the least important factors limiting hiring efforts.

These are key findings from this week’s National Post/COMPAS survey sponsored by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and CIBC Small Business.

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