Q4 2018 Business Confidence Survey: Good News for Q4 2018; Optimism Slips for 2019

Quarter Four

Jan 27, 2019

Two out of three respondents to Electro-Federation Canada (EFC)’s Q4 Business Confidence Survey believe their Q4 2018 business was better or much better compared to Q4 2017; 14% reported worse sales and 19% reported no change.

EFC’s quarterly Business Confidence Survey invites all key association contacts to participate. Respondents are asked to compare their current quarter and next quarter sales, against the same period last year. A record 103 key member contacts provided their feedback for this latest poll.

Among the key findings:

    • only 56% of respondents expect Q1 2019 sales to be better/much better compared to Q4 2018

    • looking ahead one year, 68% of all respondents believe sales will improve. However, when asked this same question in Q3 2018, this number was much more optimistic, at 84%.

Comments Included:

    • expect some relief from trade tensions offset by some weakness in market.

    • tariffs continue to affect the bottom line

    • economy is still a huge concern in the west

    • concerned about headwinds facing the Canadian economy and overall uncertainty regarding trade

See the full results here: www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-K8N2ZVXCV/

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Update on Potential Atkore Sale/Merger

    Update on Potential Atkore Sale/Merger

    November 26, 2025 Atkore is exploring options that could include a sale or merger of the whole company, and its Canadian operations form part of the North American footprint under review, although no specific changes to Canada have been announced.​ Atkore’s strategic alternatives process covers the entire business, which spans manufacturing and distribution facilities across the… Read More…

  • Schneider Electric and Albesol Partner to Provide Medium Voltage Premset Equipment in New $20M Mississauga Facility

    Schneider Electric and Albesol Partner to Provide Medium Voltage Premset Equipment in New $20M Mississauga Facility

    November 20, 2025 Schneider Electric Canada has announced the inauguration of a new $20M state-of-the-art Albesol facility in Mississauga, Ontario. Launching on November 20, the new location marks a key milestone in their shared mission to strengthen Canada’s energy infrastructure and supply chain resilience. The new facility is set to expand its workforce from 28 to 50 employees… Read More…


Peers & Profiles