Canadian firms look to better results, more hiring in 2013: central bank

OTTAWA – A new survey by the Bank of Canada suggests Canadian business executives are looking forward to better conditions in 2013 than last year.

The central bank’s latest quarterly business outlook survey shows firms on balance think sales and employment will pick up after a tough 2012.

The survey is based on responses from senior management at 100 firms chosen as a representative sample of the overall economy.

It found more positive responses on projected sales growth, hiring intentions and equipment purchases than a similar survey done last fall.

Still, the central bank says Canadian firms don’t appear to be particularly optimistic about the year ahead.

It notes that more business executives expressed concerns about the outlook for domestic demand, as well as increased competition both at home and abroad.