The Canadian economy increased 0.2% in November after remaining stable in October, Statistics Canada reported today. Growth was registered in both goods and service industries.

Manufacturing benefited from healthy growth, primarily driven by the motor vehicle industries, StatsCan said. Mining, excluding oil and natural gas, was also robust.

Agriculture, forestry, construction and financial services also posted gains. However, these gains were partly offset by losses in the energy sector as well as in wholesale and retail trade.

For the second month since the start of the year, the activity of the manufacturing sector increased. The 1.6% gain in the sector came primarily from the manufacturing of durable goods, up 2.6%, while non-durable goods edged up 0.1%. Of the 21 major manufacturing groups, 11 increased, accounting for 67% of total manufacturing value added.

The energy sector retreated 2.5% in November, the government agency said. Declines were registered in both the extraction (-2.9%) and exploration (-3.7%) of oil, but mainly natural gas. In particular, exploration recorded the lowest level of output since January.

Wholesale trade recorded its third consecutive decline, slipping 0.1% in November. Drops in farm products, pharmaceuticals, and other products led the downward movement.

Similarly, retail trade retreated for the second month in a row to post a loss of 0.2% for November.