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Economy

Overview

"Touring Niagara Falls" image courtesy of the Ministry Tourism, Culture and Recreation.Ontario's economy had its beginnings in the pursuit of natural resources: fur, timber and minerals. The province's many rivers and lakes, particularly the Great Lakes, made for natural transportation routes. As the population of Ontario increased, people started new industries and surveyed, cleared and farmed the rich agricultural land.

Today, northern Ontario's economy is still highly dependent on natural resources while southern Ontario, with its proximity to the enormous U.S. market, is heavily industrialized. However, in the 21st century, more Ontarians are employed in service industries than on assembly lines. The fastest-growing sectors are business services, finance, tourism and culture.

 
 
Visiting Ontario

Did you know?

  • Ontario is Canada's manufacturing leader and produces almost 60 per cent of all manufactured goods that are shipped out of the country.

  • The Peterborough Lift Lock on the Trent Canal is the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world, carrying vessels to a height of 65 feet.

 
 
 
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Last Modified: November 24, 2006