The only regional decline in consumer confidence across Canada last month occurred in Ontario, according to the Conference Board’s Index of Consumer Confidence, September 2006.

“While consumer confidence can ebb and flow from one month to the next, it is on a downward trend in Ontario over the past six months compared to other parts of the country,” said Pedro Antunes, director, national and provincial forecast, in a news release. “The province’s key auto sector faces production cuts and net export losses in the short term, which could explain some of the reason for uncertainty in confidence among Ontario respondents.”

Consumer sentiment in Ontario fell 3.5 index points to 115.9 in September, dropping further below the provincial average of 121 over the last few years.

Atlantic Canada posted the largest gain last month, with an increase of 9.7 points, the first positive movement for this region since March.

The Index rose by 5.9 points in British Columbia, and increased very modestly in the Prairie provinces and in Quebec.

Overall, consumer confidence edged higher in September. The Index increased by 0.5 points to 119.8, but still remains below its two-year average. Canadians were feeling more optimistic about current and future financial situations, but continued to lose confidence in short-term job prospects.

The survey was conducted between September 7 and 13.