Canada is embroiled in a political debate over whether the economy has entered a technical recession, with the opposition accusing Prime Minister Mark Carney of causing the only recession in the G7 and the only recession in North America.
Economic analysts at CBC News point out that Canada's economy has been weak for the better part of a decade and the trade war has made it weaker still. It has been an incredibly difficult year for many Canadians, with rising costs and economic uncertainty.
The question of whether Canada technically meets the definition of a recession remains open. Economists note that more time and data are needed before rendering a verdict, as the difference between tiny growth and tiny contraction does not change how most Canadians feel about the economy.
Analysts argue that debating the pedantic definition of a technical recession should not be the priority. The focus should instead be on doing what is needed to get the economy out of the ditch rather than on debating how deep into the ditch it has fallen.
Polls suggest that Canadians elected Carney in part because they believed he could manage trying economic times, given his background as a central banker. Now he faces the challenge of demonstrating that the confidence was well placed.
The trade war with the United States continues to weigh heavily on the Canadian economy. Supply chain disruptions and tariff uncertainty have dampened business investment and consumer confidence across multiple sectors.
Whether the criticism of causing a recession sticks remains to be seen. The government is expected to announce further economic stimulus measures in the coming weeks as it seeks to reassure Canadians that recovery is on track despite the challenging global environment.