Statistics Canada says building permits total $6.8 billion in November

OTTAWA – Statistics Canada says contractors took out $6.8 billion worth of building permits in November, down 6.7 per cent from October.

The agency says weaker residential sectors in Quebec and Ontario were the main reasons for the decline.

The total value of permits in the residential sector fell 7.6 per cent month-over-month to $4.1 billion in November.

Building permits for multi-family homes fell 8.7 per cent to $1.9 billion for the month, following two consecutive monthly gains. Permits for single-family homes slipped 6.7 per cent to $2.2 billion.

The non-residential sector fell 5.2 per cent from October to $2.7 billion in November, with six provinces showing declines and four advancing.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba accounting for most of the decrease while. Ontario and Alberta led the four provinces recording gains.