How did the 2008-2010 recession and recovery compare with previous cycles?

The question above is answered in a feature article in the January 2011 edition of Canadian Economic Observer, published by Statistics Canada.


The article states that the recent recession was less severe than those in 1981-82 and 1990-1992, by most conventional measures.

The early stages of the recent recession had significant impact however, because output and employment contracted at a faster rate than in any post-war recession.


Compared to other major industrialized countries, Canada's decline in output was less pronounced and the subsequent recovery was more complete and quicker.


The article also shows how Statistics Canada determines whether an economy is in recession.

A summary of the article may be found in the January 13, 2011 edition of The Daily, published by Statistics Canada.

Canadian economic conditions, statistics and major events

The Canadian Economic Observer is Statistics Canada's flagship publication for Canadian economic statistics. Here are a few pointers to the wealth of information contained there. The July 2008 issue analyses current economic conditions and summarizes the major economic events that occurred in June. A separate statistical summary contains a wide range of tables and graphs on the principal economic indicators for Canada, the provinces and the major industrial nations. Recent Feature Articles contains a chronological index to feature articles from January 1990 to June 2008. Browse through this list to view the topics covered, such as cross border shopping, Canada-China trade, the gender divide in the labour force, household use of the Internet. To view one of the feature articles go to the Chronological Index available from the Canadian Economic Observer Main page
The Canadian Economic Observer, Historical Statistical Supplement contains annual historical data for all series reported monthly in Canadian Economic Observer (annual data up to 2007).