Inflation is down, wages are up. Why are Canadians still frustrated with the economy? [Video]

The federal finance minister has been taking every opportunity to remind frustrated Canadians that after a bumpy pandemic recovery, the nation’s economy is actually doing a lot better.

Inflation is now at 1.6 per cent, below the Bank of Canada’s two per cent target. Interest rates are falling rapidly and more cuts are on the way. The economy, while weak, has avoided a much-feared recession.

And maybe most importantly, wage growth has outpaced price growth for 20 consecutive months.

But a recent RBC analysis suggests that Canada’s economic recovery has been uneven, with “two contradictory trends.” Beneath the surface of the more encouraging economic statistics are some less flattering ones.

The top 40 per cent of income earners have taken home 70 per cent of wage growth over the last three years.

Household spending on a per-person basis is down.

And while low- and middle-income Canadians have devoted more of their pay to essentials and like food and …