View the most recent version.

Economic activity increased 0.2% in August, its average pace since the beginning of 2007. Increases in retail trade and oil extraction propelled the growth, while a decline in utilities dampened it. Both the goods- and service- producing industries advanced. Gains were also registered in construction, forestry, mining excluding oil and gas, and wholesale trade. In addition, the accommodation and food services, and financial sectors moved ahead. Conversely, utilities retreated and manufacturing stood still.

Retail trade rises sharply

Retail trade jumped 1.3% in August, after two months of decline. A surge in sales by new car dealers propelled the growth. Notable increases were also recorded by furniture, home furnishings and electronics stores, general merchandise stores (which include department stores), and food and beverage vendors. These gains were partially offset by declines in the sales of gasoline stations, pharmacies and personal care stores.

Energy sector unchanged

The energy sector was essentially unchanged in August, after declining in July. Crude oil production grew partly as a result of improved production facilities becoming operational, and existing facilities being reactivated following routine maintenance in July. However, natural gas production fell primarily due to weak prices. Furthermore, utilities slipped 0.8%. Oil and gas exploration moved ahead (+1.9%) for a third month in a row, after experiencing strong decreases during the February-May period.

The output of the mining sector excluding oil and gas leaped 2.9% in August. Both the metal ore mines and non-metallic mineral mines posted strong gains. In particular, copper, nickel, lead and zinc mining production combined reached an all-time high.

Construction posts gain

The construction sector advanced 0.5% in August, a fourth consecutive monthly increase. The gains recorded in residential construction (+0.1%) and engineering and repair work (+0.9%) overshadowed the slip in non-residential building construction (-0.2%). The construction of multi-unit structures as well as renovation work propelled residential construction. However, the construction of single-family homes retreated. The increase in industrial building construction was not enough to offset the decline in commercial and public building construction.

The home resale market fell sharply in August, due primarily to significant declines in sales in Ontario and Quebec. This resulted in a 5.6% drop for the real estate agents and brokers industry. This marks a return to a more normal level of activity following record-high transactions in June and July.

1.

Education, health and public administration.

Wholesale trade edges up

Wholesale trade rose 0.1% in August. Gains were posted in the trade of farm products, apparel, food products, and computers and other electronic equipment. These gains were neutralized by the retreat in the wholesaling of motor vehicles (including parts), lumber and millwork, and machinery and equipment.

Manufacturing unchanged

Manufacturing stood still in August. The increase in the production of durable goods was offset by the decline in non-durable goods. Of the 21 major manufacturing groups, 11 decreased, these accounting for 51% of total manufacturing value added.

Significant gains were made in motor vehicle, clothing, and beverage and tobacco manufacturing. However, the production of chemicals, motor vehicle parts and sawmills declined.

Industrial production (the output of mines, utilities and factories) increased 0.1% in August. The gain in mining was partially offset by the drop in utilities. In the United States, industrial production remained unchanged in August. The rise in utilities was neutralized by the drops in manufacturing and mining.

Other industries

Activities in the finance and insurance sector grew 0.2%. The gains in this sector were partially offset by the declines realized as a result of the difficulties experienced in the asset-backed commercial paper markets. The accommodation and food services sector rose 0.9% in August. The number of international travellers to Canada advanced 2.4%, particularly that of overnight visitors from the United States (+4.3%).