Natural Resources
- Canada is one of the world's richest countries in natural resources: oil, natural gas, minerals, fresh water, forests, and fish
- Oil sands in Alberta are one of the largest petroleum reserves in the world
- Canada has approximately 20% of the world's fresh water
- Hydroelectricity is a major power source, especially in Quebec, BC, Manitoba, and Ontario
- Mining and minerals: Gold, nickel, uranium, zinc, copper, potash, and diamonds (especially in the Northwest Territories)
Industries and Trade
- Service industries employ more than 75% of working Canadians (finance, technology, healthcare, education, government, retail, tourism)
- Forestry, fishing, and agriculture remain important, especially in rural regions
- Canada's largest trading partner is the United States, over three-quarters of Canadian exports go to the US; described as "the biggest bilateral trading relationship in the world"
- CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, formerly NAFTA): The key North American trade agreement
- Crown corporations: Federal or provincial government-owned companies (e.g., Canada Post, CBC/Radio-Canada)
- Equalization payments: Federal transfers to less wealthy provinces so all Canadians have access to comparable public services regardless of province
Key Economic Facts
- Trans-Canada Highway: Nearly 8,000 km from Victoria, BC to St. John's, NL, one of the longest national highways in the world
- St. Lawrence Seaway: Connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean; vital for shipping