overview friday april 7 2000 continued on page 2 economy begins the year with strong growth i n january domestic and foreign demand translated into another month of robust for canadian gross product gdp advanced 0 5 it was 18th consecutive monthly increase representing longest unbroken string gains since 1961 when measurement began overall construction activity surged 1 9 as work residential non projects to progress related oil patch in alberta shore up engineering industry impact boom has also been felt many supplying industries recent months spurred manufacturing wood products asphalt roofing cement ready mix concrete wholesaling lumber other materials equipment return more normal colder temperatures sharply increased output electric power gas utilities electricity production rose adding almost s rate similarly distribution reported a 4 3 advance g8b