QA&
REGIONAL PROFILE
CANADA’S PRAIRIE PROVINCES
OFFER MIXED BAG
Canada is experiencing a quick recovery from the global
recession; stumbling blocks may be on the way.
Companies exploring global business destinations will discover the Canadian economy is doing fairly well in the globally recovery, supported by stimulus funds
issued by the federal and provincial governments. The
Canadian economy also features strong consumer spending
and strong housing markets, both in housing starts and
existing home sales, bolstered by low interest rates.
However, because the United States is Canada’s largest
export market, and which is chugging out a recovery,
Canada’s private sector is taking a bit longer to bounce
back and invest. This combined with pending expiration
dates for the federal and provincial stimulus monies,
means government cut backs on spending for goods and
services.
The Conference Board of Canada’s Marie-Christine
Bernard highlights the opportunities and challenges of the
Canadian economy, with a particular focus on the Prairie
Provinces, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Global Corporate Xpansion: Bring us up to speed on
where the Canadian economy stands [April 2010].
Marie-Christine Bernard: The Canadian economy has
been doing well since the last few months of 2009. In the
fourth quarter of 2009, where there is economic data, we
know that the economy grew by nearly 5 percent at an
annual rate. It has been a very quick recovery for the
Canadian economy.
GCX: What is behind this quick recovery?
Bernard: It is supported by fiscal stimulus funds. In the
last year, our governments have put forward infrastructure
programs to assist in battling the recession. Some of the
recovery is due to the government sector; however, consumers have also been active.
There has been a steady increase in retail sales and also
in housing demand, both for new housing and for the
existing market. Resale activity has been very strong. This
