Canada has a very varied manufacturing sector. Although it is not a central part of the Canadian economy, it, however, makes substantial contributions to the GDP of Canada. Canada leads on the export of manufactured goods, their research and development. The manufacturing industry of Canada varies with its geography. This article describes the role of manufacturing industries in the nine major provinces of Canada, their impact on the economy, workforce as well as trends.
Alberta
Structural Metal Product Manufacturing Industry is the most important manufacturing industry in this province. It employs a significant percentage of the province’s workforce. The products of this industry are used in the manufacture of oil and gas Wells as well as their platforms, pipelines and towers. Alberta is geographically close to the Western parts of the United States as well as the coast of British Columbia. This geographical advantage allows Alberta to export to China. Alberta is also the third-largest centre of the meat and beef processing industry. Alberta is the largest producer of beef cattle in Canada.
The manufacturing industry of Alberta is greatly influenced by the natural resources found in the province. The Athabasca River has oil sands. So, Edmonton has the Oil and Gas as well as the Mining equipment and machinery manufacturing industry. The future of the oil industry as well as that of the related industries will be influenced by the fluctuating oil prices around the globe.
British Columbia
Wood Product Manufacturing industry is the key manufacturing industry of British Columbia. This industry requires various types of wood products. Softwood lumber is primarily used by this manufacturing industry of British Columbia. British Columbia also happens to be the largest exporters of softwood lumber in the entire world.
The employment numbers of the manufacturing industry in this province have declined a little. A pine beetle infestation harmed large parts of forests in British Columbia but the demand for lumber from China has helped in the economic growth and revenue of the province.
The manufacturing industry of British Columbia is also influenced by the resources available in the province. British Columbia is the centre of logging in Canada. It contains 24% of Canada’s wood that can be sold as merchandise and 19.5% of forest land of Canada is in British Columbia. This makes the Sawmills and Wood Production industry of British Columbia thrive. The industry also benefits from the close geographical placement of the province to the United States, exporting 43% of its products and accessing global markets.
Manitoba
Meat, Beef and Poultry Processing is the main industry of Manitoba due to the presence of plains in the province that house hogs, pigs and livestock. Their close presence to the raw material required by the industry greatly cuts down on costs for transportation. Winnipeg is the ideal location for those meat producers looking to settle close to the demand.
Manitoba’s economy also depends on other industries such as the tourism industry, energy, oil and petroleum industry, mining and forestry. But, the manufacturing industry is what demands agricultural raw materials. Hence, the agricultural products also account for the economic growth of the province.
Wheat and barley are grown in the fertile soil and optimum climatic conditions of southern Manitoba. Farmers farming fields of crops heavily rely on agricultural machinery. Agricultural machinery is used to cultivate, seed and harvest crops, this Tractors and Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing Industry thrives in Manitoba.
New Brunswick
This is the main maritime province of Canada. Therefore, it is the hub of fisheries and seafood production. The industry provides lobsters, shrimp and queen crab from both freshwater and sea fisheries. The Seafood Production industry generated a revenue of $4.9 billion in 2014. The industry was also favoured by the health trends that focused on the consumption of proteins found in fishes and seafood.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Cod is the staple food of this province. It also has other industries like Bread Company Ltd. Plant. The wood panelling producing industry also contributes significantly to the economy of the province. This is due to the trees found in the region such as Newfoundland Black Spruce known for durability.
The Seafood Preparation industry is the primary manufacturing industry of this province. This is benefitted by the coastal topology and environment of the province. Cod, winter flounder, lumpfish and lobster found in Newfoundland and Labrador along with crabs make it ideal for the Seafood Preparation industry. 60% of the population is involved in the manufacturing industries.
Nova Scotia
40% of the total military assets of Canada are in Nova Scotia. Hence it has a thriving defence sector. It has defence-related manufacturing industries like
Space Vehicle and Missile Manufacturing Industry.
Nova Scotia, the state of New Brunswick and the state of Prince Edward Island are maritime provinces. The geographical location of Nova Scotia gives it access to the markets of America and Europe. Manufacturing industries benefit from fisheries, forests and defence sectors present in the province.
Ontario
Plastic Products Manufacturing industry is the main manufacturing Industry of Ontario. It produces a variety of products that are exported to the United States. The products of this industry are purchased by other industries like automotive manufacturers. They use plastic-based products to build vehicle interiors and engine parts.
The industries in Ontario benefit greatly from the proximity of trading ports and the Detroit-Windsor tunnel. This underground highway connects Detroit, MI to Windsor Ontario thus giving access to the markets of the United States. The economy of Ontario relies on trade, especially exports to the US. Ontario is the home of major automobile manufacturers especially General Motors, Chrysler and Ford.
Quebec
The aviation market first emerged in Quebec in the 1900s. Engine and Parts Manufacturing industry, Aircraft, Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing industry are the key industries of Quebec. This is due to the tax incentives provided to the manufacturers. They also provide institutional support from academic as well as technical associations. Aerospace manufacturers that have their headquarters in Quebec are Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney and Bell Helicopter Textron.
Quebec, according to the area occupied, is the largest province of Canada and the powerhouse of Canada’s Economy. The manufacturing sector of Quebec makes up a quarter of the experts of Canada, worth $137 billion. Metal manufacturing, Manufacturing of transportation equipment and the chemical industry are also some of the major industries of Quebec.
Saskatchewan
Farming and cattle raising are prominent activities in Saskatchewan. This is basically because of the large areas of arable land present in Saskatchewan. Rye, oats, wheat and barley are among the major crops produced in Saskatchewan. Hence the Tractors and Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing industry is the major manufacturing industry of the province.
Saskatchewan’s farming equipment production makes up nearly one-third of the total revenue of the industry. The large arable lands of the province also account for the Meat, Beef and Poultry Processing Industry. The cattle are raised on the farms of Saskatchewan itself. Also, the Truck, Trailer and Home Manufacturing industry also makes contributions to the revenue and supplies the farmer with the required equipment for harvesting and transportation.
A stable economy along with universal healthcare and quality education are the reasons why millions across the globe immigrate to Canada. You can also live in Canada as a temporary foreign resident or a foreign national with a student visa, tourist visa, travel visa, business visa, work visa, investor visa, immigration visa or a spouse visa. Find out the visa requirements, visa services available, types of visas, how to apply and if you need a visa.
Apart from citizenship and immigration to Canada, you can also gain permanent residency in Canada through the various programs designed by the Canadian Government. So do not delay any longer. Find out what pathway is best for you from your Immigration consultant according to the Canadian Immigration Law, and grab the chance to visit Canada today!