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Quarterly productivity analysis

• Quarterly series on labour productivity growth and related variables were published for the first time on December 20, 2000.
• These statistical series, which start with the first quarter of 1987, are seasonally adjusted and are presently limited to the business sector.
• The quarterly productivity measures are meant to assist in the analysis of the short-run relationship between the fluctuations of output, employment, compensation and hours worked.
• The quarterly productivity estimates provide a preliminary indication of recent productivity trends in the Canadian economy.
• Productivity estimates of recent short-term changes are more volatile than estimates of changes over a longer time horizon.
• The quarterly data in Canada are comparable with data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which allows short-run analysis such as whether Canadian businesses develop an advantage over American businesses in terms of productivity growth and competitive position.
• Quarterly productivity data can prove to be useful for economic policy. For example, the monetary authorities can use these data in order to assess the risk of inflationary pressure in the economy.

September 12, 2003 (Second quarter 2003)

December 12, 2003 (Third quarter 2003)

The quarterly productivity analysis can also be found in the electronic document Canadian economic accounts quarterly review (13-010-XIE, free). From the Our products and services page, under Browse our Internet publications, choose Free, then National accounts.