With a population of 30 million and a GDP at $830 billion in 1997, Canada is one of the world's largest economies. A member of the G7 group of leading industrial countries, Canada enjoys an enviable standard of living, an excellent infrastructure, a highly educated and skilled-labour force as well as a well-deserved reputation as a successful trading nation. Canada has a diversified economy. Resource industries such as forestry, mining, energy, agriculture and fishing are an important source of jobs and wealth. However, Canada is also recognized as a world leader in high technology areas such as communications.

The Canadian economy is strong. Since 1994, Canada's economic performance has been characterized by growth, low inflation, stable unit labour costs, improved cost competitiveness, record exports, and a healthy level of business investment.

Among the G-7 countries — the most developed economies in the world — Canada ranks highly in per capita purchasing power.  As well, Canada continues to maintain one of the lowest inflation rates in the world.

Looking ahead, both the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and the International Monetary Fund that Canada will be among the fastest-growing industrial economies in coming  years. Canada’s economy is responding to the challenge of global competition and changing needs. More and more jobs involve working with people and information. Service industries are increasingly important.

Canada has always been known for the sophistication of its financial markets. One of the main reasons for this is the strength of the financial services sector.

The Canadian financial services sector is made up of a variety of institutional players and markets, all of which provide numerous, and in many cases, competing products and services to domestic and foreign customers. It is stable, sophisticated and internationally competitive. The sector employs over half a million people, or about 3.5 percent of working Canadians, and contributes about 8 percent of Canada's gross domestic product.

With assets in excess of $1 trillion, chartered banks form the heart of Canada's financial services sector. They have approximately 8,000 branches throughout the country and an active presence in about 60 foreign countries. The country's six largest banks rank among the top 100 banks worldwide. Canada has therefore, lots of opportunities for business and carrier enhancements.

Currency

The dollar is the basic unit of money. The most common paper bills are the $5, $10 and $20, but $50 and $100 bills are also used. Canadian coins include the penny (one cent), nickel (five cents), dime (ten cents), quarter (twenty-five cents), loonie ( $1) and the toonie ( $2) coin.