Canada's economy grows slightly

Vancouver, June 30 (IANS) Canada's real gross domestic product grew 0.3 percent in April, after edging up 0.1 percent in March, according to official statistics.

Most of the increase was attributed to mining, and oil and gas extraction, which rose 2.7 percent after declining 2.0 percent in February and 1.1 percent in March, said Statistics Canada Friday.

The growth was also driven by the increase of wholesale trade, which was up 1.2 percent, a fifth consecutive monthly rise, reported Xinhua.

Transportation and warehousing services rose 0.7 percent, as trucking and rail transportation benefited from the strength in mining and wholesale trade, said the statistics agency.

The output of agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector also grew in April.

However, retail trade fell 0.8 percent in the month after increasing 0.5 percent in March. Output decreased at clothing and clothing accessories stores, new car dealers as well as general merchandise stores.

Production in manufacturing, accommodation and food services and the public sector also declined.