OTTAWA, Aug 30 (AFP) : Canada's economy picked up momentum in the second quarter after starting the year in a slump, with activity increased in most sectors, the government statistical agency said Friday.
Growth rose to 0.8 per cent, from 0.2 per cent in the first three months of the years, Statistics Canada said.
At an annualized rate, gross domestic product (GDP) was 3.1 per cent -- "a full four ticks stronger than what was expected by the street," noted CIBC World Market economist Nick Exarhos.
Consumers were the driving force behind the uptick, buying up cars and trucks, furnishings, food and beverages, hotel services, clothing and footwear.
Their wages and salaries, however, grew at a slower pace. Canadians were able to save less, as expenditures increased faster than disposable income.
Demand for housing rebounded after two slow quarters. Home renovations were higher too.
Businesses, meanwhile, invested more in machinery and equipment, and heavy trucks.
Mineral exploration and evaluation, as well as research and development continued to fall in the quarter.
There was increased copper, nickel, lead, zinc, potash and, to a lesser extent, iron ore mining in the quarter.
Oil production was up, but farmers saw lower crop production. Rail and truck transportation increased.
