Based on previous requests for information, we have compiled these pages to make it easier for you to find exactly what you are looking for.

Pages with or indicate the data is available in a graph format, as a table or in text. Please see below on how to extract actual data points from a chart. In each case, a source and date for that data is cited.

Charts and diagrams with a indicate that the data is available in US Dollars. Just click the icon to convert the graph from Canadian to US Dollars.

For exchange rates used see below.

National Overview

This section has information at the national and international level. Comparative, qualitative and competitive information on why Canada deserves to be on your ‘A’ list when looking for places to locate or do business. Markets, labour availability, business costs and Canada’s place among the leading economies across the globe are profiled.

Ontario – an overview

A synopsis of Ontario’s competitive advantages at the provincial level. Where possible, comparative charts and graphs between Ontario and other local and international jurisdictions are available.

Business Climate

The focus in this section is on detailed information on the economic and business climate in Ontario.

Community Profiles

Maps, contacts, economic factors, distances to markets, labour costs, transportation infrastructure and other information you might require about local conditions. Most of this information is compiled in collaboration with Ontario municipalities. Regional economic alliances of municipalities are also highlighted.

Real Estate

A real star in our information tool-kit. Tens of thousands of listings of available industrial, commercial, investment and vacant land across Ontario. Businesses available for sale, partnerships and other investment opportunities offered are also featured. The real estate section is updated several times a week.

Convenient left-hand panel navigation items profile each section for a quick jump to the relevant page – or try our 'search' for a site-wide search for your keyword.

Pages with related data are grouped together horizontally. These can either be accessed through the sub-topic listing on the index page or by the arrows that take you through the entire section with information on a similar topic.

Each chart also has a helpful guide on its right and links to this section as well as other helpful links within the site.

Copying a chart
Each chart can be copied and pasted to presentation slides by simply right-clicking on the chart and selecting 'copy'. Accompanying short text is provided which can be used as speaking notes or as bullet-points in the 'slide'.

Modifying a chart
If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer and have downloaded the Active-X plugin (see below about how to confirm if the plug-in has been installed on your PC), you have additional options. In addition to the cut and paste function, each chart can be modified to suit your needs. Right-clicking on the chart, you may select from a number of chart types from a gallery, make the chart into a 3D object or change the colours of a specific series.

These changes can be made right on the web before you cut and paste - there is no additional software required. If you make a mistake, just refresh the chart and start over again. It’s that easy!

If your are not using Microsoft Internet Explorer, the charts and graphs will appear as images or pictures. In that case you may simply right-click on the chart to 'copy' and paste them in your presentation or report.

Clicking on the on the top right of the screen will convert information on that page to $US currency. The exchange rate used is calculated as the mean midday rate as provided by the Bank of Canada.

For exchange rates used see here.

While every attempt is made to ensure that all the data is accurate and current, mistakes and omissions can happen. The information presented here should be a starting point for your business decisions and should not be assumed to be exhaustive. All information should be corroborated through independent sources.

Please let us know if you find any errors in these pages or feel that there are gaps in the information collection, or if you need help finding additional data for your analysis. All queries are confidential and you should generally expect a response within one business day. We at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre will be happy to work with you to see your project brought to a successful conclusion.

Can you see the image of a chart on the right? For Internet Explorer users: If you cannot see the image of a chart on the right, the charting plug-in needs to be installed on your computer. The charting plug-in should begin downloading and installation automatically. Please select 'Yes' when the programme requests your permission. Note: This plug-in needs to be installed just once. For Netscape users: If you cannot see the image of a chart on the right, the charting plug-in needs to be installed on your computer. The charting plug-in can be downloaded from our server here and needs to be placed in the Netscape's Plug-in directory. For full instructions, go here. Note: This plug-in needs to be installed just once.

For Apple users using Internet Explorer or Safari: The chart loaded will be displayed only as a regular image. By pressing the Control key and mouse-click, you will have the option to copy or save the chart image. For other users: The chart loaded will be displayed only as a regular image.

Finally, by right clicking on the chart, you get a drop-down menu which allows you full control over the look/feel of the chart before you cut/paste it into your presentation. If you wish, you can change the colours, type etc of the chart on your screen (try it now!).

Trouble-shooting:
Installing the chart plug-in is extremely easy. If despite following the above instructions, you are having difficulty in seeing the chart, it is possible that your corporate IT department has disabled this feature on your computer. Please request assistance from your system administrator. We assure you it will be worth the effort.

Click here to view the video using Windows Media Player.	If you do not have Windows Media Player installed on your computer, you can download it free from here.
Click here to view the video using Real Player.	If you do not have Real Player installed on your computer, you can download it free from here.

Year Cdn$/US$ Per Unit    Exchange Rate    US$/Cdn$ Per Unit    Exchange Rate    1982 0.8228 1.2153 1983 0.8080 1.2376 1984 0.7787 1.2842 1985 0.7356 1.3594 1986 0.7178 1.3932 1987 0.7497 1.3339 1988 0.8060 1.2407 1989 0.8501 1.1763 1990 0.8579 1.1657 1991 0.8690 1.1508 1992 0.8233 1.2146 1993 0.7668 1.3041 1994 0.7392 1.3529 1995 0.7188 1.3912 1996 0.7330 1.3642 1997 0.7223 1.3844 1998 0.6743 1.4831 1999 0.6730 1.4858 2000 0.6733 1.4852 2001 0.6458 1.5484 2002 0.6368 1.5704 2003 0.7135 1.4015 2004 0.7683 1.3015 2005 0.8253 1.2116 2006 0.8818 1.1341 2007* 0.9388 1.0652 *  June 2007 monthly average Source: Bank of Canada (7/2007) Note: Numbers have been rounded

NOTES: for future annual projections (2008, 2009), the most current 2007 exchange rate was used. The exchange rate is calculated as the mean midday rate as provided by the Bank of Canada.  Back to Previous Page