Wholesales sales up 1.1 per cent in February, second consecutive monthly gain

OTTAWA – Statistics Canada says wholesale sales rose for a second consecutive month in February, up 1.1 per cent to $50.7 billion.

The agency says sales increased in all subsectors.

The motor vehicle and parts subsector led the February growth, rising 3.0 per cent to $8.4 billion following two consecutive monthly declines.

The motor vehicle industry, with sales up 4.7 per cent, accounted for most of the increase.

The machinery, equipment and supplies subsector recorded the second-largest increase in dollar terms in February, with sales up 0.8 per cent to $10.7 billion.

Sales rose in eight provinces, with Ontario accounting for much of the gain.