Economic Activities in North America Both the United States and Canada have free market economies, in which people can own, operate, and profit from their own businesses Both were once primarily agricultural but are now industrial and service industries Farming in the US and Canada is commercial and large-scale. 1 billion acres US 167 million acres Canada Only a small amount of the population work as farmers.

Economic Activities in North America The primary crops of both countries are wheat and corn. Beef, milk, and egg production is very high too Geographic Boundaries: Technology has allowed agriculture to overcome geographic limits How does the region’s physical geography relate to its agricultural production?

Economic Activities in North America About 20% of Americans and Canadians work in manufacturing. 75% work in service industries (government, healthcare, education,etc.).

Manufacturing and Service Industries Post Industrial Economies: High-tech and biotechnology industries also employ many people in both countries Retooling the Rust Belt: As the U.S. economy shifted from manufacturing to services, older industrial areas in the Great Lakes and Northeast were left with abandoned factories Known as the “Rust Belt” due to the area rusting Communities are converting old factories to new uses today What are some possible uses for an old factory?

Economic Activities in North America High levels of automobile use means millions of miles of highways, roads, and bridges must be maintained. Cars are the main method of human transportation. Planes are used for most long-distance travel

Economic Activities in North America The main way to transport goods in both countries is by train (35%) and river or road (35%). Pipelines carry the region’s gas and oil Broadcasting and telephone systems in Canada are owned by the government. These are owned by businesses and companies in America. Why do so many North Americans travel by airplane instead of train of bus?

Economic Activities in North America The USA exports many goods, but our dependence on foreign energy has created a massive national debt. US provides more than 10% of World exports Negative effects of tariffs leads to a large trade deficit Canada exports and imports less than the US and enjoys a trade surplus NAFTA-removed trade restrictions between US Canada and Mexico How do you think the United Sates might reduce its trade deficit?

Terrorism Canada and America have both experienced terrorist attacks. What do you think is the best way for the US to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks at home and abroad?

Web Quest! http://can-am.gc.ca/relations/commercial_relations_commerciales.aspx?lang=eng http://actionplan.gc.ca/en/page/bbg-tpf/bilateral-relations-canada-us-trade-and-investment http://www.dhs.gov/news/2011/12/06/fact-sheet-beyond-border-united-states- %E2%80%93-canada-economic-relationship How has trade between the U.S. and Canada changed since 1989? What has caused this change? What % of U.S. Exports go to Canada? What % of U.S. imports come from Canada? What are some environmental issues requiring cooperation between the two countries? Why is improving the efficiency of the border a key priority for the United States and Canada? What is the “Beyond the Border Action Plan? How does it work? How many jobs in Georgia depend on Canada-U.S trade and investment? What is the total Canada-Georgia goods trade amount? What does Georgia export most to Canada? How Much? What does Georgia import most from Canada? How Much?