Statistics Canada said January GDP was revised to a 0.1% rise, and first-quarter 2026 growth is estimated at an annualised 1.7% after late-2025 contraction.
Manufacturing led February's gain, up 1.8%, its strongest growth since January 2023, with motor vehicle output jumping 20.4% as Ontario assembly plants increased production.
Transportation and warehousing, primary metals, mining and finance also rose, while public administration, education and arts fell; the Bank of Canada forecasts 1.2% growth in 2026.
With industry strong but consumers squeezed by inflation, is Canada's economic growth built on a fragile foundation?
Can Canada's massive infrastructure spending untangle its economy from U.S. trade policy and global supply chain risks?