If you're interested in doing business in Canada, the Canadian government's Invest in Canada Web site is an excellent resource. I've already given you a sampling of the statistics you'll find on the site on the previous page. If you're interested in a particular city such as Montreal or Calgary, the site also provides economic data on Metropolitan Areas. Want to know about a particular Canadian province or territory? Go to Canada By Region and choose the province or territory you're interested in for a detailed snapshot.
One of the site's most useful features is its Investor Services. The Invest in Canada site is designed as a one-stop resource for foreign investors. It provides "immediate, accurate, and personal responses" to requests for information, and will develop international and NAFTA business cost comparisons, including taxes and wage rates, for your business scenario. The government's network of world-wide contacts can be invaluable in getting investment advice and developing the market for your product or service. Contact Canada's investment specialists by telephone, by email, by fax, or through the Canadian Dipplomatic Mission that's nearest you.
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (provided by Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade), is another outstanding service for non-Canadians seeking to do business in Canada. This global network of business professionals with offices in over 130 cities around the world will help you find Canadian suppliers, put you in contact with Canadian companies so you can develop business relationships, and help you invest in Canada or expand your Canadian investment.
Need information on a specific industry? The Invest in Canada Web site provides profiles of Industry Sectors such as Aerospace, Information and Communications Technologies, and Agri-Food. Statistics Canada is another outstanding source of industry information. On this page, you'll find free statistical information on the Canadian economy, including primary industries, communication, transportation and trade, and international trade.
The most complete index of Canadian industry information online is on Industry Canada's Strategis Web site; you can search their Business Information by Sector alphabetically or by industrial category, or go directly to the Guides to Canadian Industries. (You can also find links to industry profiles in my Non-Residents Business Information subject library.)
Made your decision and want to get down to doing business in Canada? The next page of this article explains how to establish a business in Canada.
