Lesson 45:
Natural Resources and Economy of Canada
We have learned in an earlier lesson how important natural resources are to the development of
a country. Canada is rich in natural resources. Remember, from these natural resources many prod-
ucts aremade. Natural resources can be found in the ground (coal), on the ground (soil), and in the
water (fish).
Canada is the third-largest producer ofminerals in theworld. It is thenumber oneexporter ofmin-
erals. Its chief minerals are nickel, gold, oil, platinum, silver, iron ore, and uranium. The western
provinces, suchasAlberta, have thegreatest knowndeposits of fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, andoil)
in the country.
The best farmland, about 80% of the total, lies between the Great Lakes and the Rocky
Mountains. Wheat is a well-known product in the Prairie Provinces. In addition, there are livestock
farms for animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs. Agriculture flourishes in southernOntario, as well.
This region contains the Corn and Soybean Belts.This area is also well known for fruits, vegetables,
andmaple syrup.
Forests cover about 50% of Canada’s land.Canada is theworld’s leading exporter of wood products.
Timber, plywood, andpulpareused tobuildand framehomesand tomakepaper.Fursalsoarean impor-
tant export. Beavers, muskrats, martens, andminkmake upmost of the fur exports.
Water is a major natural resource – both fresh water and saltwater. Hydroelectric power stations
create so much electricity that the energy is exported. The fishing industry thrives in the Maritime
Provinces and thePacificCoast. Fish are frozen or canned for export.
Major secondary (manufacturing) industries include petroleum refining, meat packing, steel pro-
duction, automobile production, chemicals, andmachinery.
Shipping goods over the waterways of Canada is an important business. Ocean-going ships can
travel from LakeSuperior to theAtlanticOcean through a series of locks built along theway. A lock is
asectionofwaterway, closedoff bygates, inwhichashipcanbe raisedor lowered.For example, ships
cannot jumpNiagara Falls.TheWellandCanal was built tomove ships around the falls.
The many mountains and lakes, abundant wildlife, and natural resources of
Canada attract thousands of tourists every year.The national sport of Canada
ishockey. Inaddition,Canadahasprofessional sports teams inbaseball, bas-
ketball, and football.
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89
PENNSVALLEY
Canada
The
largest
Canadian
province is Quebec,
which is slightly
larger than Alaska.
The smallest
province is Prince
Edward Island, which
is about the size of
Delaware.
Niagara Falls
