Desjardins Group is less optimistic than many peers about business spending in 2026. While fiscal policy is expected to lay important groundwork for future growth this year, government spending is unlikely to produce meaningful results until 2027. If the Canadian economy is to meet growth expectations in the meantime, consumers will have to do their part.

“Business investment is going to be weak. It’s still likely to be positive, but in terms of its contribution, very modest,” said Randall Bartlett, deputy chief economist at Desjardins Group in an interview last week. “We think household consumption is probably going to be the biggest contributor to growth this year.”

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