Potential output

• Assessing the Impact of Demographic Composition on Productivity

  Staff Discussion Paper 2025-3 Justin-Damien Guénette, Lin Shao

  We examine how demographic factors influence potential output, focusing on how the age distribution of the working-age population and the old-age dependency ratio affect aggregate productivity. Following Feyrer (2007), we emphasize that the contribution to aggregate productivity varies by age group, with middle-aged individuals (aged 40 to 49) being the most productive.

  Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff discussion papers Research Topic(s): International topics, Potential output, Productivity JEL Code(s): J, J1, J11, O, O4, O47, O5, O51
• February 21, 2025

  Trade conflict: What can the Bank of Canada do?

  Speech summary Tiff Macklem Mississauga Board of Trade-Oakville Chamber of Commerce Mississauga, Ontario

  Governor Tiff Macklem discusses how a trade conflict would affect the Canadian economy and monetary policy. He also outlines what the Bank of Canada is focusing on as it renews its monetary policy framework.

  Content Type(s): Press, Speeches and appearances, Speech summaries Research Topic(s): Economic models, Housing, Inflation targets, International topics, Monetary policy and uncertainty, Monetary policy framework, Potential output, Productivity, Recent economic and financial developments, Trade integration
• February 21, 2025

  Tariffs, structural change and monetary policy

  Remarks Tiff Macklem Mississauga Board of Trade-Oakville Chamber of Commerce Mississauga, Ontario

  Governor Tiff Macklem discusses the potential impact of a trade conflict with the United States. He also launches the review of the Bank’s monetary policy framework.

  Content Type(s): Press, Speeches and appearances, Remarks Research Topic(s): Economic models, Housing, Inflation targets, International topics, Monetary policy and uncertainty, Monetary policy framework, Potential output, Productivity, Recent economic and financial developments, Trade integration

• Potential output in Canada: 2024 assessment

  Staff Analytical Note 2024-11 Tessa Devakos, Christopher Hajzler, Stephanie Houle, Craig Johnston, Antoine Poulin-Moore, Ron Rautu, Temel Taskin

  We expect that potential output in Canada will grow by 2.3% and 2.5% in 2023 and 2024, respectively, and average slightly below 1.7% by 2027 as population growth moderates. Relative to the April 2023 assessment, growth is revised up in 2024, with a larger contribution from trend labour input due to higher-than-anticipated population growth. We revise down our estimates of growth over 2025–26.

  Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff analytical notes Research Topic(s): Economic models, Labour markets, Monetary policy, Potential output, Productivity JEL Code(s): E, E2, E3, E4, E5

• Assessing global potential output growth: April 2024

  Staff Analytical Note 2024-10 Amor Aniss Benmoussa, Raheeb Dastagir, Eshini Ekanayake, Justin-Damien Guénette, Helen Lao, Jenna Rolland-Mills, Aidan Spencer, Lin Xiang

  This note presents the annual update of Bank of Canada staff estimates for growth in global potential output. These estimates serve as key inputs to the analysis supporting the April 2024 Monetary Policy Report.

  Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff analytical notes Research Topic(s): Potential output, Productivity JEL Code(s): E, E1, E2, F, F0, O, O4
• March 26, 2024

  Time to break the glass: Fixing Canada’s productivity problem

  Remarks Carolyn Rogers Halifax Partnership Halifax, Nova Scotia

  Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn Rogers explains how higher productivity can protect the economy from future bouts of inflation and why fixing Canada's productivity problem should be a priority for all Canadians.

  Content Type(s): Press, Speeches and appearances, Remarks Research Topic(s): Inflation and prices, Labour markets, Potential output, Productivity
• March 26, 2024

  The productivity problem

  Speech summary Carolyn Rogers Halifax Partnership Halifax, Nova Scotia

  Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn Rogers talks about some of the reasons for Canada’s poor productivity track record, and what we can do to turn the tide.

  Content Type(s): Press, Speeches and appearances, Speech summaries Research Topic(s): Inflation and prices, Labour markets, Potential output, Productivity

• Assessing the effects of higher immigration on the Canadian economy and inflation

  Staff Analytical Note 2023-17 Julien Champagne, Erik Ens, Xing Guo, Olena Kostyshyna, Alexander Lam, Corinne Luu, Sarah Miller, Patrick Sabourin, Joshua Slive, Temel Taskin, Jaime Trujillo, Shu Lin Wee

  We assess the complex macroeconomic implications of Canada’s recent population increases. We find that newcomers significantly boost the non-inflationary, potential growth of the economy, but existing imbalances in the housing sector may be exacerbated. Greater housing supply is needed to complement the long-term economic benefits of population growth.

  Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff analytical notes Research Topic(s): Domestic demand and components, Housing, Inflation and prices, Labour markets, Potential output, Recent economic and financial developments JEL Code(s): A, A1, A10, E, E2, E20, E3, E31, J, J1, J11, J15
• December 7, 2023

  Economic progress report: Immigration, housing and the outlook for inflation

  Remarks Toni Gravelle Windsor–Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Windsor, Ontario

  Deputy Governor Toni Gravelle discusses the latest interest rate decision along with how immigration helps Canada’s economy and how it impacts inflation.

  Content Type(s): Press, Speeches and appearances, Remarks Research Topic(s): Domestic demand and components, Housing, Inflation and prices, Interest rates, Labour markets, Monetary policy, Potential output, Price stability, Recent economic and financial developments
• December 7, 2023

  What population growth means for the economy and inflation

  Speech summary Toni Gravelle Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Windsor, Ontario

  Speaking a day after we decided to hold interest rates steady at 5%, Deputy Governor Toni Gravelle discusses immigration, inflation and the role that newcomers play in helping our economy grow.

  Content Type(s): Press, Speeches and appearances, Speech summaries Research Topic(s): Domestic demand and components, Housing, Inflation and prices, Interest rates, Labour markets, Monetary policy, Potential output, Price stability, Recent economic and financial developments