A recent article from The Report On Business section, of The Globe & Mail, says Canada’s economic growth is sputtering. But is the forecast really that bleak? Well I guess it depends on who you ask.

Several of our country’s usual prognosticators paint a picture of stalled-growth, based on Q2 numbers – which came in significantly lower than predicted. Canada’s GDP flat-lined in July, despite noticeable gains in the manufacturing sector.

The article outlines an original, collective, average of approximately 0.5% growth for the latter part of 2009, based on previous expert forecasts. Now, many are saying that number is rather optimistic, given that the latest Stats-Can numbers suggest otherwise.

Should we be worried? Well obviously if you believe the economy has a false hope then yes you should be worried.  If, however, you believe all this is part of the recovery, I think, in large part, educated people know that employment numbers are always a lagging indicator.  Are we sputtering? Yes?  Are we surprised?  No?  The same people complaining that the economy is not recovering quickly enough are likely the same people who were crying “the sky is falling!!!” 12 months ago.  Some people always want to view the glass as half-empty.

Take a look in the rear-view mirror, and you’ll note our country’s primary economic indicator sporting a 4% gain, over the last 90 days, according to the National Bank. But is that enough for the feds to ‘hang their hat’ on, despite what Ottawa feels has already been an adequate monetary & financial stimulus injection? Time will tell.

What’s your opinion? Send me your comments.