Canada's economy grew by a slight 0.2% in both October and November on the strength of the service industry that offset a decrease in goods produced, Statistics Canada announced Jan. 31. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth was concentrated in the country's retail trade, notably from "vigorous sales" of new motor vehicles, as well as in construction activities and in tourism-related industries.
Despite sporadic strikes by teachers in the Quebec province, educational services also contributed to the growth as teachers in the westernmost British Columbia province resumed work after walking out in October.
But, the gains were partly dented by declines among wholesalers and manufacturers of motor vehicles, as well as in forestry and electric generation.
Between November 2004 and November 2005, Canada's economy grew by 3%, the agency said.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2006
