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First quarter 2008

The national balance sheet accounts are statements of the balance sheets of all of the various sectors of the economy. They consist of the non-financial assets owned in the various sectors of the economy and of financial claims outstanding.

National wealth is the sum of non-financial assets (produced assets, land surrounding structures and agricultural land) in all sectors of the economy.

National net worth is national wealth less net foreign liabilities (i.e., what is owed to non-residents less what non-residents owe to Canadians). Alternatively, it is the sum of the net worth of the persons and unincorporated business, corporate and government sectors.

National saving is the sum of saving of the persons and unincorporated business, corporate and government sectors. National saving and investment contribute to change in national net worth.

The revaluation of assets and liabilities also contributes to changes in national net worth. The causes of revaluation include changes in non-financial asset prices, equity prices, interest rates, exchange rates and loan allowances.

Quarterly series, both book and market value, are available from the first quarter of 1990. For more information on the market value estimates, consult the Balance sheet estimates at market value page of our website.

With this release, data are revised from 2004 through 2007.

Annual estimates of pension assets by type from 1990 to 2007 are available as an extension to the National Balance Sheet Accounts. For more information on the market value estimates, consult the Provisional results of the Pension Satellite Account.