07:58 AM EDT, 03/13/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Small business owners across Canada are calling on governments to move quickly to strengthen the country's domestic energy supply, according to new preliminary data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) released on Friday.

An overwhelming majority (90%) of small businesses say governments should prioritize increasing Canada's energy production and capacity, noted CFIB.

Two-thirds (68%) also say their energy costs have increased over the past year, adding pressure at a time when global events continue to create volatility in energy markets, it added.

"When fuel costs rise, the entire supply chain feels it, and there aren't many small business owners who can absorb a prolonged spike in gas prices," said Dan Kelly, CFIB president. "Governments need to make energy infrastructure a priority and get shovels in the ground as soon as possible."