OTTAWA, Ont. — In August, escalating oil prices coupled with a rebound in the production of motor vehicles and parts contributed to a strong 3.3% gain in the value of manufacturers’ shipments to $51.9 billion, according to Statistics Canada.

In addition, a stream of new orders in August may bode well for manufacturers’ prospects in the coming months, Statistics Canada commented in its Daily Bulletin.

Ontario led the seven provinces and the territories which reported higher shipments in August. Following a weak July, Ontario’s motor vehicle, petroleum and primary metals industries contributed to a $1.4 billion (+5.7%) advance in shipments to $27 billion, the highest level so far in 2005.

British Columbia and Alberta also posted robust increases. Resource-based industries boosted British Columbia’s manufacturing sector by $202 million (+5.9%) to $3.6 billion. Big gains in the manufacturing of chemicals and petroleum products sent Alberta’s shipments upwards by $150 million (+3.2%) to $4.9 billion.

Declines in Quebec and Manitoba partly offset some of the overall strength in August. A drop in aerospace manufacturing in Quebec pulled down total shipments by $277 million (-2.3%) to $11.9 billion, while Manitoba’s manufacturers posted a $65 million (-5.8%) decline in shipments to $1.1 billion. Both provinces had reported robust production in July.