Just in time for a meeting between Prime Minister Harper and the premiers Friday night, the economists at TD Bank released today their provincial outlook for 2007–08. Highlights:
- Deteriorating export picture setting the stage for slow growth across the provinces in 2008
- Real GDP growth this year to limp along at about 1.5% in N&L, Ontario, Quebec and P.E.I.
- Nova Scotia and New Brunswick poised to expand at a slightly faster 2% rate
- While the west will continue to outperform, the region will not be immune to U.S. softness
- Saskatchewan only province to record 3%+ growth in 2008
- Provincial prospects somewhat brighter in 2009