Canada's economy posted a solid gain at the start of the second quarter, according to new figures from Statistics Canada. Real gross domestic product, a key measure of economic growth, rose 0.5% in April, offering a more upbeat signal amid persistent talk of a possible recession.
Oil and gas played a significant role in powering the economy during the month, helping to lift overall output as the second quarter began. The sector's strength underscored its continued importance to Canada's economic performance.
The growth was not limited to energy, however. Statistics Canada reported widespread gains across other parts of the economy, including manufacturing, construction and the public sector, all of which contributed to the April advance.
The April figure marks a turnaround from earlier in the year. It follows a contraction in March that had dragged the first quarter slightly into negative territory, at minus 0.1%, which in turn came after weak growth in the previous quarter.
The rebound is likely to take some of the steam out of the political rhetoric around a recession, given that two consecutive quarters of contraction are often used as an informal marker. The April data instead points toward a return to growth heading into the next quarter.
Even so, a fuller picture may take time to emerge, as the quarterly results are not expected for another couple of months. Until then, the monthly figures are likely to remain a key reference point in the debate over the health and direction of the Canadian economy.