Canada’s GDP rises in January as early February estimate points to stronger growth

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published March 31, 2026

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Canada’s economy posted modest growth at the start of 2026, with real gross domestic product rising 0.1% in January after a 0.2% increase in December. Statistics Canada also said its advance estimate suggests GDP rose another 0.2% in February, pointing to continued economic activity at a measured but steady pace.

January’s gain was driven mainly by goods-producing industries, which expanded 0.2% for a second straight month, supported by a rebound in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction as well as strength in construction and utilities. Services-producing industries were essentially flat overall, and only 9 of 20 sectors recorded growth, showing that momentum remained uneven across the economy.

The data show that mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction increased 1.2% in January, while construction rose 1.1%. Part of that strength was offset by a 1.4% decline in manufacturing, along with drops in wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing, and real estate and rental and leasing. The advance February estimate will be revised when the official release is published on April 30, 2026, making today’s report an important early signal on Canada’s economic direction.