Best Year

Canada never had it so good. The Bureau of Statistics reported last week that Canadians earned more dollars, produced and consumed more goods and services in April, May and June than in any other quarter in history; gross national production for 1956 was headed for a record-smashing $29.5 billion--a handsome $2.8 billion above last year (and equal to a per capita rate of $1,844 v. the U.S.'s $2,432).

The nation's prosperity spread all the way from the bottom to the top. Unemployment was down to a bedrock 103,000, and workers were hard to find, notably for domestic service, construction trades and logging. At the other end of the scale, corporate profits were up, and business investment for the first six months stood a fat 48.6% above 1955.

The nation's basic industries were setting a fast pace. Pulp and paper manufacturers reported their August production at 104% of rated capacity; steelmakers were behind in their orders, and auto sales were outstripping last year's banner records. Investors in Ontario's Blind River area were getting ready to enjoy a return from some $200 million of risk capital; a dozen new uranium mines were scheduled for production this year. In the West, farmers were hauling in record crops of oats and barley, and harvesting another good wheat crop. Farm cash income for the first six months was up 30% from last year, and still rising. The boom is wonderful while it lasts--and it shows every sign of lasting for a while.

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