90% of Canadian Small Businesses Demand Urgent Expansion of Domestic Energy Supply
Event summary
- CFIB survey reveals 90% of small businesses support increasing Canada's energy production and capacity.
- 68% report rising energy costs over the past year, citing global market volatility.
- Dan Kelly, CFIB president, urges immediate government action on energy infrastructure projects.
- Survey based on 1,230 respondents with a margin of error of +/- 2.8%, as of March 5, 2026.
The big picture
Small businesses are increasingly vulnerable to global energy price fluctuations, creating pressure for domestic supply diversification. This survey highlights growing concerns about economic resilience amid geopolitical uncertainty. The call for expanded energy capacity reflects broader industry trends toward self-sufficiency and infrastructure investment as critical competitive advantages.
What we're watching
- Policy Response
- How quickly Canadian governments will act on small businesses' demands for expanded domestic energy supply.
- Market Volatility
- Whether global energy market instability will further pressure small business operating costs.
- Infrastructure Development
- The pace at which new energy projects can be approved and constructed to meet small businesses' needs.