Tariff fears boost Canada’s Q1 exports but hurt consumer spending

Canada’s economy grew faster than expected in the first three months of this year, Statistics Canada data showed Friday. GDP (gross domestic product) grew 2.2 per cent, annualized, in the first quarter as consumers and businesses tried to get ahead of the U.S. trade war and a potential recession. But as trade uncertainty persists, the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI) is adding its voice to calls for interprovincial trade barriers to be urgently reduced. Nivrita Ganguly speaks with TD Bank Director and Senior Economist Andrew Hencic, and MEI Director of Research Krystle Wittevrongel for more on the what lies ahead for Canada’s economy.

• Tariff uncertainty could cause ‘modest recession,’ new summer outlook warns