Figures released Monday by Statistics Canada revealed Canada's wholesale sales rose 1.2% to $63.7 billion in May, helped by higher sales of lumber, millwork, hardware and other building supplies.
The agency also said there were advances in four of the seven sub-sectors it tracks, but the large motor vehicle and supplies sector fell 2.5% to $11.1 billion, the lowest since December 2016.
Statistics Canada said May's wholesale sales were helped by the building material and supplies sub-sector, galloping 5% to $9.7 billion, the third consecutive increase for the industry and the highest sales level since July 2017.
Moreover, the agency said, regionally, wholesale sales were up in eight provinces, with Alberta contributing the most and more than offsetting a decline in Ontario.
Alberta wholesale sales rose 6.7% to $7.3 billion — the highest level of record.
Ontario wholesale sales fell 0.9% to $32.1 billion, with declines led by motor vehicles and parts as well as food, beverage and tobacco.
