Canada's real gross domestic product by industry was essentially unchanged in July, Statistics Canada reported Tuesday, September 29. Growth in construction and utilities was offset by declines in other goods-producing industries. Services were also essentially flat, as gains in some sectors were offset by declines in retail and wholesale trade. Ten of the 20 industrial sectors expanded during the month.
The same release included an advance estimate indicating GDP increased 0.2% in August, with mining and quarrying and retail trade contributing to growth, partly offset by a decline in oil and gas extraction. That August figure is preliminary, not a finalized monthly estimate; Statistics Canada said it will be updated when the official August industry data are published on October 30. July's historical data can also be revised as new information is incorporated.
GDP by industry measures monthly activity across sectors and can differ slightly from the separate quarterly expenditure-based GDP measure. The July result therefore signals a pause in monthly activity, not a confirmed quarterly contraction.
Reader question: Did Canada’s economy grow in August? The preliminary estimate says real GDP by industry rose 0.2%. It remains subject to revision, so the finalized figure is not yet available.