Canadian small business confidence recovered slightly in April following the tariff-threat-driven crash in March, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). That said, sentiment remains exceptionally weak as businesses navigate an unpredictable trade environment that risks a period of stagflation. The CFIB’s 12-month business confidence index rose nine points to 34.8 points but pointed to a contractionary environment. The index typically tracks about 65 points in a normal operating environment.

B.C.’s 12-month index rose by 7.6 points to 36.7 points. Its improvement was middling and the third weakest among the provinces, while the short-term index rose only marginally to 37.8 points — the second-lowest level in the country after Newfoundland and Labrador. Insufficient demand and skilled labour shortages continue to be the most-noted........

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