2008

Source: Statistics Canada
 
Canadian wholesalers reported a modest rebound in sales in March, helped by higher deliveries of building supplies and machinery and electronic equipment. However, the increase was not enough to prevent a second consecutive quarterly decline in sales.

Sales increased by an estimated 0.6% to $42.7 billion, recouping some of the 2.1% decline reported in February.

On a quarterly basis, wholesale sales fell 0.8% in the first quarter, following a 0.3% decline in the fourth quarter of 2007. First quarter sales were affected by a large drop in the motor vehicles trade group, which registered its fourth consecutive quarterly decline, as well as continued weakness in the beleaguered lumber …

Source: Statistics Canada
 
Canadian economic output slumped again in February, after recovering in January from a steep decline in December. Several factors have contributed to the recent weakness in real gross domestic product (GDP).
 
The new Family Day holiday in Ontario shortened work hours in February for many firms. Weather also has been erratic, with record snow this winter in much of Eastern Canada and the coldest weather in years in Western Canada. Meanwhile, the US economy remained sluggish in the first quarter, as the worsening state of its housing market offset higher exports.
 
But mostly, growth in Canada has been restrained by large drops in auto assemblies. The recent volatility of auto production in Canada is in marked contrast …

According to the Institute for Supply Management’s third salary survey, average salaries for supply chain professionals were:
 
Chief Purchasing/Supply Management/Sourcing: $128,821
Vice President, Purchasing/Supply Management/Sourcing: $210,419
Director, Purchasing/Supply Management/Sourcing: $125,833
Manager, Purchasing/Supply Management/Sourcing: $90,088
Experienced staff member (3 or more years of experience): $68,537
Entry-level staff member (less than 3 years of experience): $49,682
 
Additional findings:
Respondents who hold one or more certifications reported an average salary that was higher than those who do not. Overall, those who hold one or more certifications earned an average of $94,648, while those who do not hold a …