1.  Canada operates under the free enterprise economy.  Individuals and groups (not the government) control businesses and industries  Fertile soil, numerous waterways, a favorable climate, and high tech equipment have made Canada one of the world’s top food producers.  Canada has developed a large industrial economy.  Natural resources such as oil, coal, natural gas, and valuable minerals (copper, iron ore, nickel, silver, and gold) are found in Canada.  Livestock, grain, vegetables, and fruits are raised by the region’s farmers.  Cattle is raised by the region’s in eastern Ontario or southern British Columbia.

2.  Canada’s government plays a more direct role in the Canadian economy.  Examples: Canada's national and provincial governments provide health care for citizens.  Broadcast, transportation, and electric companies are heavily regulated.  These public services are even available in Canada's remote areas.  Today People are more likely to work in offices instead of factories.  Most are employed in service industries like banking, communications, entertainment, insurance, and health care.  The location of industries, jobs, and people is influenced by geography.  They are located near the ocean, US-Canadian borders, and oil and coal deposits.

3.  Eastern Canada  Fishing has been the major industry in the Newfoundland, Labrador, and the Maritime Provinces.  The waters of the Grand Banks have been over fished.  The government regulates how many fish may be caught.  As a result, fewer Canadians make a living from the sea.  Today, most people in the Maritime Provinces hold jobs in manufacturing, mining, and tourism.  Halifax is a major shipping center.

4.  Quebec and Ontario  Manufacturing and service industries are dominate in Canada’s largest province.  Montreal is an important port city, as well as, a major financial and industrial center.  Ontario has the most people and greatest wealth.  It produces more than half of Canada’s manufactured goods.  Southern Ontario has fertile land and a growing season long enough for farming.  Farmers grow grains, fruit, and vegetables and raise beef and dairy cattle.

5.  The Prairie Provinces and British Columbia  Farming and ranching are the major economic activities.  They produce large amounts of wheat, most of which is exported.  Some of the world’s largest reserves of oil and natural gas are found in Alberta and Saskatchewan.  Newsprint (from forests), timber, mining industry, fishing, and tourism are strong economic activities for British Columbia.  Vancouver is a bustling trade center and Canada’s main Pacific port.

6.  NAFTA  About $1 billion worth of trade passes between the US and Canada each day.  In 1994 Canada, the United States, and Mexico entered into the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to remove trade barriers among the three countries.