Inflation remained the most frequently anticipated obstacle: simply over two-fifths (40.8%) of services expected inflation would be a challenge over the next 3 months. Services more than likely to report inflation as an anticipated obstacle were in lodging and food services (60.7%), farming, forestry, fishing and hunting (50.1%), and wholesale trade (48.2%).
When asked to identify the single most tough anticipated obstacle over the next 3 months:
- 10.7% of companies cited hiring skilled workers
- 10.5% called inflation
- 6.8% picked the cost of inputs
Hiring experienced workers a key obstacle
Recruitment became a significant issue. “Hiring proficient staff members is the 2nd most frequently anticipated obstacle, anticipated by one-quarter (25.3%) of organizations,” StatCan reported. The issue was most noticable in:
- administrative and support
- waste management and removal services (39.0%)
- building and construction (37.5%)
- lodging and food services (34.2%)
Sales and pricing expectations also reflected mindful optimism. In the first quarter of 2026, 18.1% of companies expected sales of items or services to increase over the next 3 months, up from 16.3% in the 4th quarter of 2025. At the very same time, 14.8% expected sales to decrease, and 23.2% expected a boost in the asking price of their goods or services. Services most likely to anticipate higher asking price remained in:
- accommodation and food services (35.1%)
- retail trade (29.7%)
- production (29.5%)
United States tariffs and cost pass-through
The StatCan survey also discovered that almost one-third (32.0%) of all businesses, whether engaged in trade or not, reported that tariffs enforced by the United States on imports from Canada had a negative impact on their business over the 12 months prior to the survey. Businesses in production (51.2%), agriculture, forestry, fishing and searching (47.1%), and wholesale trade (45.7%) were most likely to report negative effects.