Canadian Business Sentiment Improves, but Remains Weak Amid COVID-19 Uncertainty

A server at Mamma Martino's Restaurant serves customers after indoor dining restaurants, gyms, and cinemas re-open under Phase 3 rules from COVID-19 restrictions in Toronto, on July 31, 2020. Reuters/Carlos Osorio

OTTAWA—Business sentiment improved across Canada as COVID-19 restrictions were eased, a Bank of Canada survey showed on Monday, but sentiment remains weak with the pace of recovery expected to be slow and uneven amid the pandemic.

The survey of 100 firms took place between late August and early September, when COVID-19 cases were still relatively low in Canada. Now a second wave of new infections has led to targeted restrictions in certain hot spots.