Metropolitan Outlook 1: Economic Insights into 25 Canadian Metropolitan Economies: Spring 2004

This publication focuses on the metropolitan economies of Halifax, Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa-Gatineau, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Victoria.

Document Highlights

• A slowdown in the services sector this year will limit growth in Halifax.
• After growing strongly for the past few years, Quebec City’s construction industry is forecast to contract this year.
• A recovery in the manufacturing sector in 2004 will propel real GDP growth in Montréal.
• Government belt-tightening will lead to slower economic activity in Ottawa this year.
• Toronto’s economy is forecast to rebound strongly in 2004.
• A rebound in Winnipeg’s goods sector will fuel a 3.6 per cent increase in real GDP this year.
• Total economic growth is expected to rebound to 3.7 per cent in Regina this year.
• Calgary is expected to have the top performing economy in 2004.
• Edmonton will continue to benefit from intense drilling activity this year.
• Renewed consumer confidence is forecast to boost Vancouver’s real GDP growth to 3.3 per cent in 2004.
• Strong growth in the services sector is expected to lift Victoria’s GDP growth to 2.3 per cent this year.