(Adapted except from Statistics Canada's website.)

While productivity growth was a topic once reserved for academic debates, widespread interest in the performance of the Canadian economy has moved the topic into popular discussion. Despite this progress in terms of attitude, much confusion remains concerning the use and interpretation of the concept of productivity. This paper explains the concept of productivity and how it can be employed.

This paper is intended for users of the Canadian Productivity Accounts who wish to learn more about the productivity concept without all the underlying complexities (see also Harchaoui and Tarkhani, 2005). While this document does not require an in-depth knowledge of the theory and measurement of productivity, readers who wish to learn more about productivity should refer to the section in the document "Where can one access Statistics Canada’s publications on productivity?".

The paper, "Understanding Productivity: A Primer" is available from the Publications module on the on the Satistics Canada website (15-206-XIE).