The Challenge of Co-Existing With COVID-19 While Rebuilding the Economy

Near-empty security lines are seen at the domestic departures area of Vancouver International Airport on June 9, 2020. The recovery of Canada’s economy has lagged for many services that rely on face-to-face interactions with or between customers, such as airline travel. The Canadian Press/Jonathan Hayward

Commentary

Canada’s economy is regaining its footing after falling off a cliff during the government-mandated shutdown of many sectors this spring. Real GDP rose by 4.5 percent in May and Statistics Canada projects another 5 percent gain in June. This parallels back-to-back employment gains, with both output and jobs having recovered just over 40 percent of their losses.