July GDP was flat despite construction, utilities gains: StatCan

OTTAWA - Statistics Canada reported that Canada's gross domestic product (GDP) remained flat in July, despite growth in the construction and utilities sectors. The agency noted that the economy's performance this month came after a robust second quarter, which saw a 1.3 percent increase in construction activity - the sector's fourth consecutive month of expansion following a challenging start to the year.

The utilities industry also recorded impressive growth, driven by a surge in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. However, declines were observed in several other sectors, including manufacturing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction, and retail and wholesale trade. Initial estimates for growth heading into the third quarter suggested an annualized rate of 3.3 percent, but StatCan projected a modest rebound with a 0.2 percent increase in August.

The report, originally published by The Canadian Press on September 29, 2026, anticipates that these initial figures will be refined in the coming month.