Statistics Canada reported today that economic growth was generally more vigorous among Western provinces than in Central and Eastern provinces in 2006.

Overall, the country’s real gross domestic product eased slightly to 2.7% in 2006 from 2.9% in 2005.

Across the country, investment, trade and financial services all contributed as service production generally outpaced goods production.

National labour income grew 6.1% and consumer spending rose 4.1%, while home building reached a new peak in 2006.

At 6.8%, economic growth in Alberta was more than double the national average.

Much of the rest of Canada lagged behind the national pace, as a 6.8% gain in the value of the Canadian dollar and higher oil prices hampered production, especially in manufacturing, while lower U.S. demand also restrained exports.

After Alberta, the only other provinces that managed to top the 2006 national growth rate were Newfoundland and Labrador, up 2.8%, Manitoba, up 3.3%, and British Columbia, up 3.6%.