The Canadian economy unexpectedly contracted in the first quarter of the year, marking two consecutive quarters of annualized decline and triggering debate among economists over whether the country has entered a technical recession. According to data released by Statistics Canada on Friday, May 29, gross domestic product (GDP) shrank at an annualized rate of 0.1% in Q1.

Canada's GDP unexpectedly contracted in the first quarter of 2026, meeting the technical definition of a recession. Read more

Canada's economy contracted 0.6% annualized in Q4 2025, making it the only G7 nation to shrink. Early 2026 data hints at a narrow recovery.