SME confidence continues to rise in August
Despite a gloomy global economic background, Canadian managers of SMEs remain optimistic. This is evident from the 1.7 point increase in the Business Barometer Index of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) in August. 65.9% of Canadian entrepreneurs expect improved results over the next twelve months, a confidence which is rising in seven provinces. Owners of SMEs in Saskatchewan are the most optimistic at 70.7%, followed by those in Newfoundland and Labrador, Alberta and Ontario, at 70.4%, 69.5% and 67.8% respectively. Quebec business leaders are more burdened, with only 59% having confidence in the future. Finally, Prince Edward Island brings up the rear of the market with a result below the national market, at 50%.
Nova Scotia will make access to parental leave easier
While the Canadian Labour Code provides that employees may take a maternity or parental leave and resume the same position when they return after six months of work with the same employer, those in Nova Scotia must wait for one year. To provide better support to young families who are active in their children’s education as well as their contribution to the province’s economy, Nova Scotia expects to align its Labour Code with that of the federal government from 2015. The federal Code stipulates that employees may receive parental benefits once they have accumulated at least 600 hours of work during the past year. These can also be hours performed part time as well as full time.