Statistics Canada says retail sales were up 4.8% to $55.1 billion in February. Sales increased in 9 of 11 subsectors, led by higher sales at motor-vehicle and parts dealers and gasoline stations.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, provincial governments continued to enact public-health measures in several regions that directly affected the retail sector. Based on respondent feedback, approximately 12% of retailers were closed during February. The average length of the shutdown was two business days.

Sales were up in six provinces in February, with Quebec and Ontario leading the gain.
Of the provinces in negative territory, Newfoundland and Labrador had the worst showing. Sales there were off nearly 11 per cent. In Saskatchewan, sales were down 0.3 per cent from January. Compared to the same month a year ago, sales here were up 5.2 per cent. Nationally, sales were up six per cent. Six provinces were in double-digit number increases, with Prince Edward Island leading the way at 17.3 per cent.