While still much higher than the year before, the seasonally adjusted value of manufacturing sales in Alberta contracted by 1.9% ($136.9 million) in June and by 1.7% ($123.5 million) in July.

Lower wood product sales was the main reason for the drop. After climbing to an impressive $946.9 million in May, wood product sales were $646.0 million in July. Despite this, sales in July were still 71.4% higher than the five-year average.

The machinery sector had a good month in July with sales up by $66.2 million (13.9%) as did food manufacturing with its sales higher by $60.7 million (3.4%).

Nationally, sales fell by 1.5% ($906.8 million) in July.

Answer to the previous trivia question: From John A. Macdonald to Justin Trudeau, 23 individuals have served as Canada’s Prime Minister. 

Today’s trivia question (the fourth of a special non-partisan federal election series): How many federal elections have been held since 1867 (not including the one coming up on September 20)?