The Canadian economy grew 0.5% in August on strength in the manufacturing, mining, oil, gas sectors, Statistics Canada said today.

The advance in growth domestic product in August was slightly higher than economists’ expectations and continues a string of monthly expansions that began in April.

Between August 2004 and the same month this year, the economy grew by 2.7%.

Statistics Canada said stronger international demand and the end of extended planned shutdowns were behind the strength in manufacturing industries in August. Taken together, the country’s goods producing sector grew by 1% for the month.

The service producing sector grew by 0.2%, spurred by wholesale, transport and warehousing as well as by the real estate industries.

The main sources of weakness were in retail trade, construction and some tourism-related industries, Statistics Canada reported.