Stats Canada to Release Q1 2026 GDP Growth Figure Thursday

Statistics Canada is set to release its official economic growth figures for the first quarter of 2026 on Thursday, providing a detailed look at how the economy performed amid ongoing international trade pressures and the start of a conflict in Iran. The data will reveal whether the economy managed a modest rebound after a mild contraction in the final quarter of 2025.

Initial estimates from the agency last month suggested the economy grew at an annualized pace of 1.7 per cent in the first quarter. A separate poll of economists conducted by Reuters anticipates a slightly lower growth rate of 1.5 per cent. The official report will confirm the precise figure and offer a sector-by-sector breakdown.

According to earlier assessments from Statistics Canada, the economy showed modest growth in January and February, but a flash estimate for March indicates that momentum likely stalled by the end of the quarter. This suggests the recovery, while present, was uneven and lost steam as the quarter progressed.

The manufacturing sector was a key driver of growth in February, though officials noted the industry's overall output remains significantly below levels from a year ago. Automakers and...