See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source

Canada’s economy is now smaller than it was when Prime Minister Mark Carney took office. The country has recorded two consecutive quarters of declining real GDP, and many economists now consider Canada to be in a technical recession. Predictably, much of the blame has been directed south of the border, toward President Donald Trump and the uncertainty surrounding trade relations with the United States. Trade tensions have certainly not helped. Businesses dislike uncertainty, and agri-food is particularly vulnerable to disruptions in cross-border commerce. But to suggest that Canada’s economic troubles are primarily Trump’s fault is both convenient and misleading.

CHARLEBOIS: Canada's economy is shrinking. Doesn’t matter how we call it Back to video

The reality is that Canada’s economy was showing signs of weakness long before the latest round of trade disputes. Productivity growth has lagged behind that of the United States for years. Business investment has remained disappointingly weak. GDP per capita has struggled despite rapid population growth. Housing costs have soared, infrastructure has........

© Edmonton Sun