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n 1994, Canada's deficit (as a percentage of GDP) was 6.7%, the third highest in the G­7 and significantly above the U.S. rate. However, by 1997, Canada became the first G­7 country to post a surplus in the 1990's, and is the only G­7 nation expected by the OECD to post three straight financial surpluses from 2001 to 2003. Both the OECD and IMF forecast Canada to lead the G-7 in economic growth in 2002 and 2003 (see chart below).

[Source: OECD Economic Outlook, June 2002]

Size of Technological Infrastructure

Canada's technological infrastructure is second only to the U.S. among the G-7 countries and ranks 5th in the entire world

Canada's ICT Sector

Share of GDP 6.2%
Employment 583,000
Revenues (estimate) $136.0 billion
R&D Expenditures $ 5.0 billion
Share of private sector R&D 46.0%
Exports - ICT goods and services $ 44.0 billion

[Source: Industry Canada, ICT Statistical Overview (ICTSO), 2000 data]

GDP: Purchasing Power Parity - $875 billion 
GDP-real growth rate 1.9%
GDP - per capita: Purchasing Power Parity - $27,700 
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture - 2%
industry - 29%
services - 69%

[Source: The World Factbook (2002)]

The Canadian ICT sector has experienced exponential growth and development since 1997. During the period of 1997 through 2000, the ICT sector's contribution to GDP grew at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19.0% compared to 4.4% for the entire Canadian economy. This statistic alone explains why the Canadian government and private sectors invest heavily in the development of IT initiatives both domestically and globally.

[Source: ICT Statistical Overview, Industry Canada]