2026 Economic Update
Monday, Jan 19, 2026
1:00pm – 2:30pm
2026 Economic Update
As we begin this new year, Canada’s economy sits at a critical crossroads, navigating a landscape defined by significant structural shifts and persistent global uncertainty. While we have successfully avoided a technical recession, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of modest growth, with GDP forecasts generally hovering between 1% and 1.6%. The dominant story remains our trade relationship with the U.S., as we prepare for the formal review of the USMCA this coming July. These trade tensions continue to weigh on business investment and exports, even as household consumption remains a primary stabilizing force for our economy. Key factors to be of focus this year include the Canadian monetary policy and what the Bank of Canafa will do in 2026, the labour market, inflation and affordability in Canada.
We have a lot to cover as we unpack the headwinds and tailwinds that will define the Canadian economic narrative in 2026. Let’s get started.
Join us on Monday January 19th to hear from Jean Francois Perrault, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at Scotiabank to hear his take on these economic factors!
ABOUT YOUR SPEAKER
Jean-François Perrault, Senior Vice-President and Chief Economist, Scotiabank
Jean-François Perrault joined Scotiabank in 2015 as Senior Vice-President and Chief Economist. He leads a team of Economists to support Scotiabank’s domestic and international business lines and clients from retail to capital markets, providing Scotiabank’s senior executives, business lines and customers with perspectives, insights and forecasts on economic, financial market and policy developments.
Prior to joining Scotiabank, Jean-François held prominent roles with the federal government, the Bank of Canada, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Thinking about joining the Credit Association of Greater Toronto or re-newing a lapsed membership?
This is a great opportunity to process your membership and not only have the fee for this program, but we have many others planned over the next few months.
For membership information, please visit https://cagt.ca/become-a-member/
Concord Adex Survivors Fund
As part of our continued commitment to supporting our community, the Credit Association of Greater Toronto is requesting your consideration to donating to the Concord Adex Survivor Fund. For more information or to donate please visit seedsofhope.ca
