Canadians went on another credit-fuelled spending spree in the second quarter, partly driven by a boost in sales at home improvement retailers. 

Total consumer spending rose 5.53 per cent in the three-month period, according to data released Tuesday by payment processor Moneris. Retailers that feed into the housing supply chain posted some of the biggest gains. Sales rose 13.09 per cent at home furnishing stores, and “floor covering stores” posted 10.32 per cent growth. 

“I think it’s a safe investment for a lot of consumers,” said Moneris CEO Angela Brown in an interview with BNN.  “And when you think of the focus on real estate here in some of the major markets we’re measuring, I think investing in those homes and continuing to improve upon them is a good place to put your money.”

Alberta was the only province where spending fell. However, Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast opened their wallets to help the province in its moment of need: charitable donations surged more than 21 per cent in the quarter, including a 59.99 per cent surge in May amid the Fort McMurray wildfire. 

“The significant increase in charitable giving coinciding with the fires in Alberta shows how deeply moved Canadians across the country were by the devastating wildfires, and how willing they were to help those affected get back on their feet,” said Moneris CEO Angela Brown in a statement.