Construction spending falls for the first time in 2019

OTTAWA — Total investment in building construction decreased 0.9% in June to $15.1 billion, StatCan reported, the first decline in eight months. A 1% increase in non-residential investment (to $4.8 billion) was offset by a 1.8% decrease in the residential sector, which fell to $10.3 billion. On a constant dollar basis (where 2012=100), investment in building construction decreased 1.1% to $12.7 billion. Despite the monthly decrease, total investment grew 1.6% year over year in the second quarter.