Exploring Ontario

Made in Canada

Ontario’s economic life began with its natural resources like fur, timber and minerals. Today, natural resources are still an important part of the economy in northern Ontario, while southern Ontario has become a manufacturing centre. Most Ontarians (70 per cent), however, are employed in the service industries such as business, finance, tourism and culture.

Minerals and Mining

The first commercial oil well in North America was drilled at Oil Springs in Ontario (near Sarnia) in 1858. Ontario produces more than $5 billion worth of minerals a year and ranks as the world’s second largest producer of nickel. Ontario is also an important producer of gold, copper, zinc, platinum, palladium, cobalt and silver, which come mainly from the Canadian Shield, which covers two-thirds of the province.

Sir Sandford Fleming was a surveyor and engineer who came to Canada from Scotland in 1845 and helped to develop the Northern Railway. It linked Toronto to Georgian Bay. Fleming was also the inventor of international time zones. Discover the golden era of the iron horse and the man known as the Knight of Time.

Agriculture and Forestry

Farming and forestry have always been an important part of Ontario’s economy. The province’s farming past is rich with stories of success, hardship, innovation and community spirit. From 1869, immigrants from the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States were drawn to Ontario by offers of free land and hope for a better future.

Manufacturing and Construction

Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903 and the next year arranged for vehicles to be manufactured in Windsor, Ontario, for the British Empire. A hundred years later, Ontario had become the leading vehicle-producing region in North America, with shipments worth $63 billion in 2003 and more than 2.5 million production units in 2005. Seven of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers operate 14 plants in Ontario.

discovery of insulin

Dr. Frederick Banting and Dr. J.J.R. Macleod of the University of Toronto won the 1923 Nobel Prize in physiology for the discovery of insulin. Their discovery has allowed diabetics around the world to live longer, healthier lives.

Information and Technology

Home of the popular BlackBerry mobile communications device, Waterloo, Ontario, was recognized as the world’s most intelligent community in 2007. With Ottawa and Toronto, the City of Waterloo forms part of Canada’s “Technology Triangle” and is renowned for its strength in microelectronics, software and telecommunications. Ottawa was also named among the top seven finalists for the annual award of distinction.

Hospitality and Services

Three Ontario restaurants have won the coveted Five Diamond award, reserved for preferred restaurants and hotels that demonstrate the utmost in quality: Truffles, in the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, Langdon Hall in Cambridge, and Signatures by Le Cordon Bleu in Ottawa. Discover even more of Ontario’s fine hospitality and services with this selection from smalltown Ontario or this introduction to Ontario’s wine and culinary delights.

Ontario has 272 provincial parks, 44 ski areas, 600 golf courses, the longest freshwater beach in the world (on Georgian Bay), and the most diverse hunting and fishing in North America.

Explore Ontario: Be a Tourist in Your New Home

Niagara’s Wine Festival attracts over half a million visitors annually to its celebration of the fall harvest. If you can’t make it in time, or you would like to avoid the crowds, you could always follow the Ontario wine route in your own time. While you’re about it, you might want to investigate Ontario’s cheese producers. Ontario cheesemakers are now making over 30 unique goat’s milk and sheep’s milk cheeses at locations throughout the province, as well as many traditional cheeses.

fun facts

Timmins is best known as the home of pop singer Shania Twain. It’s also famous for having produced more gold than any other place in North America!

Ontario Welcomes You

As a newcomer to Ontario, you may have many questions. The Province of Ontario has many services and programs to help you find the answers, information and support you need to succeed.

Loonie - Canadian Dollar Just for Fun!

The one-dollar coin is called the “Loonie” because of the image of a loon on one side. When the two-dollar coin was minted, Canadians called it the “Toonie.” The Common Loon was declared as the official bird of Ontario in 1994. Learn about Ontario’s other emblems and symbols and what they mean.

How do I apply to immigrate to Ontario, Canada?

The Government of Canada, through the department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), is responsible for processing immigration applications. You can find information on their website. Ontario has a Provincial Nominee Program, Opportunities Ontario, where Ontario nominates individuals for permanent resident status.
How do I apply for a Social Insurance Number?

Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number required for temporary and permanent residents to work legally in Canada and to have access to government programs and benefits. You can apply for a SIN at a Service Canada office. Make sure you bring with you the required documents and a completed application form.
Does the Ontario Government offer health insurance to immigrants?

Permanent residents, temporary workers, convention refugees and others may receive coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) three months after arriving in Ontario. Apply for public as soon as you arrive to ensure you are covered after your first three months. Find more information on OHIP eligibility and health care.
How can I find out about Ontario's Francophone community?

You will find information about the different programs and services available to Francophone immigrants in Ontario in our Living in French section and on Etablissement.org (en français).
What should I do if an employer wants me to work in Ontario?

You must either be a permanent resident or have a work permit in order to work in Ontario. You are also required to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). It may also be necessary to have your international academic credentials assessed and recognized.
What jobs and professions are in demand in Ontario?

You can access job offers, wage information, job demand and skills requirements with the Working in Canada tool. You may also benefit from labour market information that will provide you with current market trends.You can access job offers, wage information, job demand and skills requirements with the Working in Canada tool.
How can I get my education and professional credentials assessed?

You can find information on education and credential assessment on our site and learn about Ontario's professional licensing bodies. You may also want to know about apprenticeship program to work in the trades and about bridge training programs to enter the Canadian market.
Where can I get information about the Ontario economy?

You can find information about Ontario's economy and get economic updates on the Ontario Ministry of Finance's website and find out about the Canadian economy from Industry Canada.
How much does it cost to apply as a business immigrant?

You can find the application fees on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada site and additional information on business immigration such as how much you need to invest in Ontario on Invest in Ontario.
If I am an international student, what are my employment options?

There are employment opportunities for international students while studying in Canada. Certain students are eligible to work in their field of study for up to two years after graduating. Eligible students must apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for a work permit. You need a social insurance number to work in Canada.