Household spending grew at a faster pace
Household final consumption expenditure increased in all provinces and territories except Yukon, where it edged down 0.1%. Alberta recorded the largest increase in household spending (+4.3%). Household spending grew at a faster pace in all jurisdictions except Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon and Nunavut. Nationally, household spending grew 2.5%, compared with a 1.9% gain in 2012.
Business gross fixed capital formation grew 0.8% nationally after increasing 7.0% in 2012. Nunavut (+35.0%) and Newfoundland and Labrador (+26.2%) posted the largest increases, while Yukon (-18.1%) and New Brunswick (-12.1%) recorded the largest declines. Among the 13 jurisdictions, 8 posted slower growth compared with the previous year.
Business gross fixed capital formation in residential structures declined 0.4% nationally after increasing 5.7% the previous year. Yukon (-18.3%) had the largest decline. All jurisdictions with the exception of Nunavut posted slower growth in 2013.
Nationally, business gross fixed capital formation in non-residential structures, machinery and equipment rose 2.6%, after increasing 9.0% the previous year. Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Alberta, Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut all posted increases higher than the national average.
All provinces and territories with the exception of Nova Scotia (-1.9%) and New Brunswick (-3.9%) exported more goods and services in 2013 than in 2012. However, most provinces and territories posted slower growth than in 2012. Nationally, exports were up 2.0%, compared with a 2.6% gain in the previous year.
Imports of goods and services rose in most provinces and territories, with Newfoundland and Labrador posting the largest increase (+11.8%). Nationally, imports were up 1.3% in 2013, after increasing 3.7% in the previous year. Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut all posted stronger growth than in 2012.
Compensation of employees advanced in all provinces and territories, with Alberta posting the largest increase (+7.3%). Nationally, compensation of employees rose 3.7% in 2013, compared with an increase of 4.6% in 2012. All provinces and territories except Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and British Columbia posted slower growth than in 2012.