Economic shutdowns and restrictions led to a 3.2% decline in consumption last year
The positive result topped expectations
The "deep slide" in the deficit reflects economic deterioration and pandemic response spending
Consumers' spending and personal incomes both fell sharply
Banks are mostly sitting on households' extra cash, research finds
Job openings in healthcare jumped, while vacancies in gyms and restaurants plunged
Statistics Canada reported that government supports offset a sharp drop in household income
Government still has capacity to support recovery and outlook is stable
Continued support from the Fed will be required
Sales dropped 1.1% to $52.5 billion, said Statistics Canada