Canada - Industry



Industry accounted for 27% of GDP in 2001, with 15% of the labor force employed in manufacturing and 5% in construction. The leading industrial sectors are foods and beverages, transport equipment, petroleum and coal products, paper and paper products, primary metals, chemicals, fabricated metals, electrical products, and wood products.

Canada's automotive sector produced more than 2.5 million cars and light trucks in 2001, down 14% from 2000. Leading manufacturers include General Motors, Chrysler Corp., and Ford Motor Co. Canada's automotive sector is closely integrated with that of the United States.

The production of fabricated metals is one of Canada's leading industries, with about 40 smelters in operation.

Of the total manufacturing output, about half is concentrated in Ontario, which not only is the center of Canadian industry but also has the greatest industrial diversification. Some important industries operate there exclusively.

Québec ranks second in manufacturing production, accounting for more than 25% of the value of Canadian manufactured goods. British Columbia ranks third. Manufacturing is also the leading industry in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland.

Canada's manufacturing sector and export of durable goods was adversely affected by the global economic slowdown in the US beginning in 2001. The aircraft and parts industry, however, was expected to grow.

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