‘Data for Business’ is an effort of the Langley Chamber, in partnership with the Canadian Chamber’s Business Data Lab, to bring our members reports, stats, and analysis on economic and business data to help inform business and investment decisions. Read our latest update below:

The Canadian economy contracted at a 0.6 percent annualized pace in the fourth quarter of 2025. The decline was driven by a significant drawdown in business inventories during what is typically a seasonally volatile period. As a result, full year 2025 GDP growth came in at 1.7 percent, one of the slowest expansions since 2020, reflecting substantial external pressures, particularly from U.S. tariffs.

Despite the negative headline, fourth quarter fundamentals were surprisingly solid. Final domestic demand recovered, supported by stronger investment and household consumption, alongside stabilization in net exports. While it is premature to declare a turning point, excluding inventories real GDP would have grown at roughly a 1 percent annualized pace in the fourth quarter, still below the annual average but far healthier than the headline suggests.

Key Findings:

Household Spending -   Household spending remained resilient, rising 1.7 percent annualized in the fourth quarter, even as Canada recorded its first net population decline since 2020. On a per capita basis, consumption improved further. Services spending led the gains, while durable goods remained soft as households continued to delay larger purchases such as vehicles, as shown in the December retail sales data.

Trade Flows - After sharp swings in the second and third quarters, trade flows were more stable in the fourth quarter. Exports rose 6.1 percent annualized, driven by goods exports, while services exports declined. Metals, particularly gold and aluminum, supported growth, with shipments primarily to Europe. Imports increased 1 percent in the quarter. For 2025 overall, exports fell 1.7 percent, weighed down by US tariffs on Canadian goods. However, exports to non-US markets continued to strengthen, helping cushion the broader trade position.

Investment - Investment growth was driven largely by government capital spending, which increased 20 percent annualized in the fourth quarter, marking the second consecutive quarter of strong defence related investment. In contrast, business investment declined by 0.2 percent with residential largely the drag, while non-residential categories like machinery and equipment and intellectual property rose. Notably, government capital spending outpaced business investment for the third consecutive year in 2025.

Wage Growth - Employee compensation continued to grow in the fourth quarter, rising 0.5% after a stronger 1.0% increase in the previous quarter. Wage gains were led by federal government and public administration, finance and real estate, and professional and personal services, while declines in education and construction tempered overall growth. Higher pay in federal government roles was partly driven by retroactive payments and wage adjustments for members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Most provinces and territories saw compensation increase, with BC seeing 0.9% growth quarter-over-quarter.  Over the full year, employee compensation increased 3.9% in 2025, marking the slowest pace of growth since 2016 outside of the pandemic year. Wages rose across nearly all industries, with the strongest gains in provincial and territorial government and in health care and social assistance, while retail and wholesale trade were the only sectors to see a decline.

Implications
The economy appears to be on firmer footing than the headline contraction implies. Inventories are volatile and don’t necessarily reflect underlying weakness.

Fourth quarter GDP came in below economists’ consensus of 0.2 percent growth and the Bank of Canada’s projection of flat growth. Statistics Canada’s early estimate suggests January monthly GDP will be flat.

Financial markets have largely looked through the negative headline, with no rate changes currently expected this year.

Overall, the balance of risks to inflation and growth is becoming more even after a year marked by significant headwinds. Looking ahead, we should expect firmer fundamentals in 2026, though below potential growth is likely to persist as the economy continues to recalibrate and regain momentum.