Like the previous year, 2021 has been challenging for Canadians. However, thanks to some positive public health and economic indicators, the immediate future looks promising.
The Manitoba economy has gradually opened thanks to the current provincial two-dose vaccination rate of nearly 80 percent. According to the Conference Board of Canada’s Canadian Outlook, published in August 2021, the national economy is set to expand by 6.7 percent this year and 4.4 percent in 2022. The report also conveys that Canadians are starting to spend the significant savings they accrued during the pandemic’s persistent run through 2020 and 2021.
These yardsticks are all indicative of renewed consumer confidence. At Casera, we’ve also noticed an uptick in our members’ trust in the economy as they return to financial activities such as acquiring mortgages and loans and making investments.
For all of us at Casera — Board of Directors, management, staff, and members — the entire pandemic experience has been an exercise in cautious optimism and embracing new ways of doing day-to-day banking. We’re hopeful for continued economic progress, but we also expect the virtual and digital interactions that have become commonplace in business will continue into the following year.
Best Regards,
Brent Thomas
Chief Executive Officer