It may have been more steady than spectacular, but Canada's economy proceeded along last year.
Figures released by Statistics Canada Monday showed the national economy expanded by 1.3% in 2016, as strong growth in British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba and P.E.I. was offset by Alberta and Saskatchewan, whose economies contracted for the second straight year.
The nation's number crunchers reported B.C. led the country for the second straight year as the province's economy grew by 3.7%, up from 3.1% in 2015. Oil and gas and real estate were sources of strength, while engineering and manufacturing declined.
Ontario came next at 2.6% growth, the same level as seen in 2015. The service sector was a particular source of strength in that province.
All down the list, StatsCan reports figures that were, if not brilliant, at least hopeful:
Manitoba's economy expanded by 2.4%, faster than the 2.1% pace seen the previous year.
Prince Edward Island's economy, meanwhile, grew by 2.4%, its strongest level in 10 years, as most sectors of the economy expanded.
The economy of Newfoundland and Labrador expanded by 1.9% last year, reversing a decline in 2015 of almost the same amount.
Quebec's economy grew 1.7% in 2016, following a 1.2% increase the year before.
New Brunswick's economy grew by 1.4% last year, down from 2.1% in 2015.
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