Local politicians are making the situation worse..

Courtesy of a minimum wage that will go up about 50% over five years and a provincial carbon tax that is a thinly disguised "tax the rich" program, businesses that are faced with lower revenues are being hit with higher costs.

The only plus in the situation is this.  If you can make a business survive and thrive in an environment like this, you will be laughing all the way to the bank when the good times roll around again.