Canada's Economy

Canada is one of the world's wealthiest countries. It is a member of the G8 (Group of 8) and the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development).

The dominant industry in Canada is the service industry, which employs more than 75% of the population. Current service industry employment needs include computer system and design and health care professionals. Canada also depends significantly on its primary resources, such as mining, logging, oil, and fishing. Products from those areas are usually exported for profit to other countries (the United-States is Canada's biggest most important trade partner). Manufacturing is a third important industry in Canada. Employment based on the manufacturing industry is generally concentrated on the automobile industry. Canadian laborers produce many vehicle parts that are exported abroad for assembly.

Canada has a relatively low unemployment rate in comparison to other countries (approximately 8% in 2010). The province of Alberta has the lowest unemployment rate, while the Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest rate. The greatest area of need for employment in Canada is for skilled workers. Because there is a shortage of skilled workers, Canada has created a special immigration category entitled "Skilled Workers" to attract individuals who have desirable skills to move to Canada. The National Occupational Classification (NCO) which, in partnership with Statistics Canada, has developed a list of the top 38 skilled worker occupations needed in Canada. The NOC collects and analyses employment statistics to provide information about Canada’s labor market. It is always subject to be revised based on regular analysis of the changing needs of Canada’s workforce. Examples of these occupations include construction managers, registered nurses, crane operators, plumbers, geologists, and cooks.

Canada's Political System