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Economic Performance and Trends

The Conference Board of Canada’s Economic Trends Division, headed by Glen Hodgson, Chief Economist is recognized worldwide for its expertise in economic forecasting, modelling and analysis. We have produced accurate economic forecasts for Canada and the provinces for more than 25 years. Our Canadian forecast was recognized as the most accurate between 1994-2003—the most recent period covered in the analysis, by the Canadian Public Policy Journal.

You can access our products and services through reports, data, custom research and speeches.

Our economic research covers these areas:

Learn about our custom research services

Hot Topics in Economics - Commentaries from our Economics Team

Revamp Our Trade Policy

March 09, 2010

How The People Saved The Vancouver Olympics

March 04, 2010

China’s Challenge to Canadian Exporters

February 26, 2010

Canadian Economic Forecast (Updated Dec 17, 2009)

2007 2008 2009 2010f 2011f
GDP at Market Prices
(Millions $ 2002)
1,284,819
3.1
1,319,681
2.7
 1,288,234
-2.5
1,324,414
2.8
1,368,133
3.3
Employment ('000s) 16,485
1.9
16,865
2.3
16,853
-1.6
17,024
1.0
17,431
2.4
Unemployment Rate
6.3 6.0 8.3 8.6 7.8
Housing Starts ('000s)
227 228 143 177 195
Prime Rate
5.81 6.10 2.33
2.49 5.54
f = forecast
540 economic indicators are available in our Canadian Forecast database.

Dictionary of Financial, Economic, and Business Terms

Upcoming Webinars

No Live Webinars have been scheduled at this time.

Speaking Engagements

  • March 23, "From Crisis Management to Sustainable Growth", International Council of Shopping Centres, Glen Hodgson
  • April 13, Toronto, 2010 Summit on the Future of Pensions, Glen Hodgson
  • April 30, Montreal, Association du Camionnage du Quebec, Glen Hodgson

Learn more about our speakers

Economists in the News

"Even though the Ontario economy lost jobs in 2009, it would have lost more jobs--another 70,000, we figure-- had it not been for the increase in infrastructure spending." said Pedro Antunes, director, provincial and national forecasts for the Conference Board. Windsor Star, March 11, 2010

A Report Card on Canada

Visit the How Canada Performs: A Report Card on Canada website for an overview of the Conference Board’s 12th annual benchmarking results