Canadian manufacturers’ optimism in the last two quarters waned as they looked ahead to the final three months of  ; 2007. According to the October Business Conditions Survey by Statistics Canada, manufacturers indicated heightened dissatisfaction with the level of orders received, while production prospects weakened.
Although they remained positive in the fourth quarter of  ; 2007, manufacturers were more guarded as they continued to face important labor shortages, coupled with ongoing pressures caused by the Canadian dollar reaching parity with the U.S. greenback.
Manufacturers’ outlook on production prospects weakens
In October, the proportion of manufacturers stating they would increase production over the next three months stood at  ; …
