• Expects growth to accelerate in H2 2011, but “considerable external headwinds” are now blowing harder
  • Sees Q2 growth minimal or slightly negative
  • Persistent strength in the C$ compounding sluggish US demand
  • US facing weakest recovery since the great depression
  • Euro zone concerns being realized, triggering risk aversion, could prompt further ‘severe dislocation’ in markets
  • Will take years to repair bank balance sheets
  • BOC will be prudent in any possible withdrawal of monetary stimulus
  • Inflation consistent with BOC forecasts

Definitely has a bigger tool box that some other central bank’s, but remains mildly optimistic, despite reiterating some comments from Fin Min Flaherty earlier.