Trade

Don't pay a cent! Lowest prices! Instant rebates! Scratch and save! Buy one, get one free! Enter the portal of the new economy! Every day, Canadian consumers are bombarded by Internet ad banners, television commercials, radio jingles, direct mail and newspaper flyers promoting everything from luxury automobiles to baby shampoo.

The sheer choice of products in our stores and warehouses is a sign of prosperous times and a burgeoning domestic demand for goods. In fact, Canada is often the first destination of global retail chains seeking new markets across the oceans and borders. A 1999 study indicated that 60% of foreign-controlled retailers operating in Canada chose Canada as their company's first international venture. Canada's retail trade industry contributed $55 billion, or 5.6%, to Canada's GDP in 2002. The wholesale trade industry accounted for $58 billion, or 6%.