OTTAWA - Real gross domestic product rebounded in April, increasing by 0.4 per cent after declines in February and March.
Statistics Canada reports increases in manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade as well as the financial sector.
There were declines in construction, oil-and-gas extraction and exploration.
GDP of the manufacturing, retail and wholesale trade industries were affected by some temporary setbacks in the motor vehicle industry and inclement weather in the first quarter.
Manufacturing production rose 1.9 per cent in April after two straight monthly declines, with notable rebounds in the production of motor vehicles, as well as in petroleum and some chemical products.
Motor vehicle production was up seven per cent.
Manufacturing of petroleum and coal products rose significantly, but the output of wood and other forestry products were hampered by weak demand on foreign markets.
Wholesaling picked up 2.1 per cent in April, while the retail trade sector rose 0.6 per cent.
The energy sector output fell 1.1 per cent in April. Oil-and-gas extraction contracted 1.7 per cent.
The output of the mining sector, excluding oil and gas, increased 0.9 per cent in April. Support activities for mining and oil-and-gas extraction fell 4.6 per cent.
Construction activity decreased 0.7 per cent in April. Both residential and non-residential building construction receded.
Real-estate agents and brokers recorded a fifth straight monthly decline.
The accommodation and food services sector advanced 1.2 per cent in April, a fourth straight increase.
