The value of Canadian building permits surged past expectations in March to jump by 8.6 percent, primarily due to non-residential construction plans but also helped by a rebound in multi-family housing, Statistics Canada said on Monday.

Market players in a Reuters poll had forecast a 1 percent increase in building permits in the month. Statscan revised its February figure to a gain of 1.5 percent, from 1.7 percent.

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