Advertising and related services saw growth between 2005 and 2006, according to new numbers from Statistics Canada, with PR firms and display advertisers showing the strongest growth.

According to the agency’s annual survey, operating revenues for the sector rose 5.7% to $5.7 billion in 2006, with B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan leading the provinces in growth for the second straight year.

Operating expenses topped $5.1 billion, up 4.5%. Slightly more than one-third of that money went to salaries, wages and benefits, which were up 8.6%. The national operating profit margin rose from 8% to 9.1%. Every province west of Ontario, however, posted operating profit margins higher than the national rate.

Within the industry, the growth in operating revenues from 2005 to 2006 breaks down as follows:

• Advertising agencies: $2,388.8 million to $2,478.1 million, up 3.7%
• Public relations: $325.6 million to $361.2 million, up 10.9%
• Media buyers and reps: $284.7 million to $295.5 million, up 3.8%
• Display advertisers: $609.4 million to $713.5 million, up 17.1%
• Direct mailers: $304.2 million to $329.7 million, up 8.4%
• Flyer distribution: $318.4 million to $334.7 million, up 5.1%
• Specialty advertisers: $617.1 million to $627.7 million, up 1.7%
• All other services: $508.5 million to $523.6 million, up 3%

From Media in Canada