Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba most at risk in coming downturn

The centre of Canada — Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba — that will bear the brunt of the trade war, say economists. Photo by Getty Images

All of Canada is expected to struggle this year amid the uncertainty of the tariff war , but for some provinces that struggle will be worse than for others.

Recent studies by economists identify a growing regional disparity in the country, where the west and east stride above the national average and the centre stumbles.

“The coming quarters will likely reveal more pronounced regional disparities, with central provinces facing steeper headwinds compared to their western and Atlantic counterparts and potentially dipping into recessions ,” said Laura Gu, senior economist for Desjardins Group.

Alberta and Saskatchewan are expected to lead growth thi