After putting the recession in context and offering the Bank’s perspective on the shape of the recovery, my remarks will focus on Canada’s corporate sector. A focus on business is appropriate in Manitoba. This province is not only the geographic centre of our country, but also mirrors Canada’s economic diversity.
Manitoba’s distinctive blend of primary, manufacturing, and service businesses represents a true cross-section of the Canadian economy. A focus on business is also appropriate at this stage of the economic cycle. A key determinant of the pace and sustainability of Canada’s recovery will be how investment and hiring intentions of businesses in all sectors evolve as policy stimulus begins to fade.