ontario profile economic view still in the slow lane despite a buoyant construction sector and relatively upbeat retail sales s overall performance is likely to remain on slower side 2006 strong canadian dollar continuing high energy prices intense competition from low cost overseas producers especially china moderating us growth are all challenges that will place continued pressure manufacturers provincial economy as whole gdp expected further decelerate 2 placing province below national average for fourth year row restructure manufacturing remains weak link outlook with factory shipments january through october up miniscule 1 earlier meanwhile export receipts have fallen almost date 6 2000 peak global demand underpinning exports of electronic equip ment industrial goods such metals & minerals but these suc cesses being offset by weakness motor vehicles clothing textiles well forest products an effort bolster competitiveness govern plans commit
