Business Profile

Business Head Offices | GTA’s Top Private Sector Employers

Economic Engine of Canada

The Toronto area is the 5th largest urban region in Canada and the U.S.

Sources: U.S Census Bureau, Metropolitan Statistical Areas 2007 Population Estimates, Statistics Canada estimates, 2007

Approximately 14 percent (15,000) of Canada’s businesses are located in the Toronto region, creating an economy that is extremely diverse. Strong employment in both the manufacturing and business services sectors differentiates Toronto from most other major North American cities.

This high concentration of economic activity provides employment for 2.9 million people or 17% of all employed Canadians. This number is expected to grow to 1.8 million jobs by 2031.

The Greater Toronto Area is the industrial and financial capital of Canada.

• More than 15,000 businesses or 14% of all of Canada’s businesses are located in the Toronto area
• Home to 40% of Canada’s business head offices
• Third largest financial centre in North America by employment after New York and Chicago
• Home to 32 % of Canada’s fastest growing companies

Source: Toronto Financial Services Alliance, Financial Services in Toronto, 2007; Toronto Economic Development, Toronto CMA Profile, 2005; Canadian Business Online 2008.

Business Services

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Manufacturing

Software Multinationals

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Mining & Metal

Real Estate

Source: Toronto Board of Trade, 2004.

The Toronto area’s economy is diverse with several large sectors:

• business and financial services
• manufacturing
• retail and wholesale trade
• transportation

North American Ranking

Source: Institute for Competitiveness & Prosperity, 2002; OICA Production Statistics, 2010.

GTA’s Top Private Sector Employers (5,000+ employees)

Source: The Toronto Board of Trade , Contact Toronto , 2004.

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