An energy industry overview

In Canada, the abundance of petroleum, uranium, coal and hydroelectric power has driven this nation’s industrial development, and allowed Canadians to have one of the highest standards of living in the world.
Available and affordable energy is crucial in Canada, where homes and workplaces must be regulated agaisnt temperature extremes, and goods shipped long distances.
Energy production, distribution and exports account for 7.5% of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP). The energy sector attracts $21.8 billion a year in new investment, more than one-sixth of the Canadian total. 90% of Canada’s energy exports go to the USA.
Canada is a pionner in developping nuclear energy for peaceful uses. The industry spans the nuclear fuel cycle, from uranium mining and electricity production to decommissioning, managing nuclear fuel waste, nuclear research and development, and applying nuclear technology in the medical field.
The petroleum industry plays a key role in Canada’s $40.5 billion sector. This represents 4.3% of Canada’s GDP and nearly 200,000 jobs.
An associated industry has grown around Canada’s extensive electricity-generating operations. More than 300 companies manufacture equipment for hydro-thermal and nuclear-generating stations. There is also a related services industry, including 35 consulting engeneering firms. The combined output of this sector, employing 35, 000 people, is $6.8 billion.