Statistics Canada released wholesale sales figures on Thursday. Wholesale sales climbed 2.0% in December, exceeding expectations for a 0.2% gain, after a 1.9% rise in November. November's figure was revised up from a 1.8% increase.

The increase was mainly driven by higher sales in the motor vehicle and parts subsectors.

Sales of motor vehicle and parts were up 10.6% in December, while sales in the food, beverage and tobacco subsector rose 1.3%.

Sales in the building material and supplies subsector climbed 1.0% in December.

Inventories fell by 0.1% in December.