A mild recession is projected to hit Canada in the first quarter of 2023, according to the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, which the Canadian government just released. While this might seem intimidating at first, looking into what a recession is and how to get on the road to economic recovery can help Canadians combat any hardships they might potentially face from it.

Keep reading to learn about the stages of recession and the road to economic recovery.

What Is a Recession?

A recession has most likely begun when a country’s GDP growth rate is negative for two or more consecutive quarters, but based on critical economic indicators like manufacturing statistics, income declines, job levels, etc., a recession can be identified even before the quarterly gross domestic product reports are released. Despite a recession’s brief duration, its effects can be profound.

Stages of the Recession Cycle

Understanding how the recession cycle operates can enable you to withstand the storm and emerge from it stronger than before. A recession goes through five stages:

1)   Recession

This is the initial stage, which is marked by a decline in economic activity. Different manifestations of this include less productivity, fewer jobs, and decreased consumer and company expenditure.

2)   Trough

The trough is the second stage of a recession. The economy starts to recover at this time when it is at its lowest point. Individuals who have been laid off start looking for new work, which is sometimes accompanied by a rise in unemployment.

3)   Recovery

Recovery is the third stage, which is when the economy resumes growth. Typically, this is a long process that involves individuals and corporations gradually increasing their expenditures.

4)   Expansion

The fourth stage is expansion, where the economy is expanding at a healthy rate. This is the time when people are optimistic about the future, businesses are growing, and new employment opportunities are being generated.

5)   Peak

The fifth and final stage is the peak, which is when the economy is at its strongest. As the economy begins to slow down, a recession frequently comes next, and this loop keeps going around.

The Road to Economic Recovery

After a recession, the economy begins to expand during the business cycle phase known as economic recovery. There might be room for growth in the economy and consumer spending at this point.

How Does an Economy Recover From a Recession?

After a period of market-based economic adjustment, economies emerge from recessions. Fiscal stimulus plans also aid economic recovery. The central bank and the government impact the economy through their separate monetary and fiscal policies. This entails changing government expenditures, taxation, and interest rates.

What Makes for a Successful Economic Recovery?

A decline in unemployment, an increase in consumer spending, rising earnings, an increase in the gross domestic product (GDP), and greater corporate activity are all indicators of an economic recovery.

Final Words

The upcoming recession won’t affect Canadian households and businesses equally, as predicted by economists. Manufacturing will probably be one of the first industries to slow down. However, other high-contact service industries, such as travel and hospitality, may fare better than they would in a “normal” historical recession.

If you want more insights on such topics, you could start with my brilliant set of resources in the form of blogs, podcasts, and videos. You can also follow me on social media for the latest updates.