Cautious optimism displayed. (Around the North).

A poll of 100 business owners from eight major Northern Ontario centres concluded owners are unsure about overall economic development conditions in Canada and are cautiously optimistic about the future of their endeavours. The Small Business Counselling Service at Laurentian University conducted the study. The poll looked at the business, its financial position, expected capital expenditures over the next six months and asked questions regarding overall economic conditions in Canada. About 49 per cent of the respondents believe their firms will improve profit within the next six months, while 42 per cent said they would stay the same, and 35 per cent believe it is currently a bad time to have future capital expenditures. Also, 40 per cent believe it is a good time to undertake capital expenditures and would increase expenditures by an average of six per cent.