Canada GDP flat in July as construction rises fourth month
Statistics Canada says real GDP was essentially unchanged in July 2026, with construction up 1.3% for a fourth straight month while services stayed flat.
The story in focus
Statistics Canada's review for September 28 to October 2, 2026 reports real gross domestic product was essentially unchanged in July. Construction rose 1.3%, a fourth consecutive monthly increase, while the services-producing industries aggregate was essentially flat and 10 of 20 industrial sectors expanded.
- Real GDP was essentially unchanged in July; construction rose 1.3%, its fourth consecutive increase.
- Primary energy production rose 2.7% year over year to 2.1 million gigajoules in July.
- International student enrolments fell in 2024/2025, the first year reflecting federal policy changes announced in January 2024.
Output and construction
Statistics Canada reported that real gross domestic product was essentially unchanged in July. The goods-producing industries grouping was also essentially unchanged, as gains in construction and utilities were offset by declines elsewhere in the aggregate.
Construction output increased 1.3% in July, the fourth consecutive monthly rise. The agency said those four increases offset declines recorded in the final months of 2025 and the beginning of 2026. The services-producing industries aggregate was essentially flat, and 10 of 20 industrial sectors expanded during the month.
Energy and enrolment trends
Primary energy production rose 2.7% year over year to 2.1 million gigajoules in July. Crude oil and equivalent production also rose 2.7% year over year, reaching 27.8 million cubic metres. Finished petroleum product output fell 0.4% year over year to 10.4 million cubic metres, led by distillate fuel oil and finished motor gasoline, while kerosene-type jet fuel rose 5.1%.
In the 2024/2025 academic year, public colleges and universities recorded 2.3 million enrolments, up 0.1% from the previous year. It was the first year reflecting effects of federal policy changes announced in January 2024, including a temporary cap on new international study permits. International enrolments fell at colleges and universities, while domestic enrolments rose 2.1%.
What happened to Canadian real GDP in July?
Statistics Canada said real GDP was essentially unchanged in July. Construction rose 1.3% for a fourth consecutive month, while the services-producing industries aggregate was essentially flat and 10 of 20 sectors expanded.
Sources & further reading
- The Weekly Review, September 28 to October 2, 2026 ↗statcan.gc.ca
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