Canada, one of the wealthiest nations in the world, has the 10th largest economy in the world, is a member of Group of Eight (G8), and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It is the second largest country in the world (in terms of land area), and as of 2011, its population is 34.89 million, with a workforce of 18.59 million.

Canada’s diverse economic industries contribute to the country’s economic freedom. The economic industries are comprised of several areas, including the service sector, manufacturing, energy, and agriculture. Canada’s key industry, the service sector, is responsible for 78% of the country’s GDP. This rapidly growing portion of the economy includes, but is not limited to the real estate, financial services, and communications industries. The service industry is most prominent in the metropolitan cities of Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Canada’s economy continues to grow and thrive due to its diversification and high level of development. Currently, foreign trade is the base of Canada’s economy, and is responsible for approximately 45 percent of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2011, the country’s GDP was $1.736 trillion US dollars. GDP growth is forecasted at 2.1 percent in 2012, and 2.3 percent in 2013. In quarter one of 2012, Canada increased its GDP .50 percent over quarter four of 2011. From a historical perspective, Canada’s GDP has averaged an increase rate of 0.83 percent from 1961 through 2012. Two years ago, in 2010, Canada’s GDP growth was at an impressive 3.071 percent, which is the highest it has been in eight years. Canada’s GDP growth and economic survival throughout the past 10 years proves that Canada’s economy is strong and highly productive. Since the 2008 financial crisis, the country has proven to have one of the most stable and successful economic systems, and continues to thrive.

Forbes magazine rated Canada as the best country to grow a business and create jobs. Since 2007, salaries in Canada have risen by approximately 10 to 15 percent. This, with conjunction of the strengthening of the Canadian Dollar, has allowed average salary increases in Canada to far surpass increases in the USA, UK, and the majority of Europe. From January 2007 until December 2011, the Canadian dollar experienced major growth – and rose 15 percent in comparison to the US dollar, 11 percent to the Euro, and 40 percent to the British pound. Furthermore, the economy’s strength and growth has added 238,000 jobs to Canada. Employment is expected to grow 1.3 percent in 2012, and 2.0 percent in 2013. Canada’s unemployment rate is expected to decrease from 7.4 percent in 2011 to 7.3 percent in 2012 to 7.1 decrease in 2013. Today, the Canadian dollar comprises 5.3% of the world’s daily share, and its currency ranks the seventh most traded in the world.

Canada’s economic freedom can be contributed to several factors. The country’s judicial system is extremely transparent and independent, allowing for sound and strategic decisions. There are many laws in place that protect intellectual property, and a court system that effectively protects the peoples’ property rights and equitable application of the commercial code. The Canadian government has many anti-corruptions measures in place, allowing for a fair and stable government. Canada’s growth, social freedom beliefs, and human rights advocacy all contribute to its economic freedom and continuing growth.

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• According to the Forbes Global 2000 list of the world's largest companies in 2008, Canada had 69 companies in the list, ranking 5th next to France. As of 2008, Canada’s total government debt burden is the lowest in the G8.
• Canada was rated the 9th happiest country in the entire world (according to 24/7 Wall St.)
• At 3,855,103 square miles, Canada is the second largest country in the world, behind Russia
• Forbes magazine considers Canada the best place in the world for businesses to grow and create jobs.
• For the fourth consecutive year, the World Economic Forum rates Canada’s banking system as the healthiest in the world.
• In 2008, the World Economic Forum ranked Canada's banking system the healthiest in the world. America's ranked 40th, Britain's 44th.
• Canada has the world’s tenth-largest economy and second-largest proven reserves of oil, and is the third-largest producer of natural gas.
• Moody’s ranks Canada’s banking system number one in the world for financial strength. In 2011, the World Economic Forum ranked Canada’s banking system as the soundest in the world for the fourth year in a row. During the global financial crisis, no Canadian bank or insurance company failed or required bailouts.
• Canada shares a border and one of the world’s largest and most stable commercial relationships with the United States.