According to Statistic Canada, GDP decreased 0.3% in May, after no change in April and a 0.3% increase in March.
The mining, oil and gas extraction sector was the main source of the decline in May. After two consecutive monthly increases, that sector fell 5.3%.
Oil and gas extraction decreased by 4.2% as wildfires in Northern Alberta, as well as maintenance shutdowns, resulted in reduced production at oil fields. Unfavourable weather also contributed to the decline.
Output of copper, nickel, lead and zinc mines declined 9.6%, following a 6.1% gain in April.
Manufacturing also fell (-0.4%) and construction (-0.3%). Wholesale and retail trade, the public sector, utilities and the finance and insurance sectors increased.
Retail trade was up 0.2% as a result of increased activity at building material and garden equipment stores and general merchandise stores. Conversely, sales at food and beverage stores and new car dealers were down. Transportation services were unchanged.
Jennifer Harrison