Building permits jump in January

OTTAWA — The total value of building permits issued by Canadian municipalities rose 8.5% to $7.0 billion in January, following a 4.8% decrease in December, according to data released by StatCan. The increase in January came from higher construction intentions in the residential sector, which more than offset a decline in the non-residential sector. Gains were posted in every province in January, except Quebec. Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario registered the largest increases.