National net worth reached $4.3 trillion by the end of the first quarter, or $134,400 per capita, Statistics Canada said today.

Growth in national net worth strengthened to 2.3% in the first quarter from 1.3% the fourth quarter.

StatsCan said the increase in net worth resulted from stronger growth in national wealth as well as a further reduction in net foreign debt.

The government agency defines national net worth as the total net worth of persons, corporations and governments.

StatsCan also noted that net government debt as a percentage of the gross domestic product was at its lowest in 20 years at the end of March.