After decreasing four months in a row, seasonally-adjusted manufacturing sales in Alberta increased by 7.3% ($645 million) in October to set a new record of $9.5 billion.

National sales rose by a more modest 2.8% with increases posted in all but three provinces (B.C., New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador).

In Alberta, over half (57%) of the monthly increase was due to higher petroleum refinery sales.

Chemical products and food products were also key drivers of the monthly increase in sales.

Sectors that saw sales fall in Ocotber include primary metal products, fabricated metal products, paper, and plastics.

Answer to the previous trivia question: The land area of the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) is 9,416 square kilometres compared to 5,099 square kilometres for the Calgary CMA.

Today’s trivia question: How many parts are there in a typical car?