• Ontario’s economy is remarkably diversified, with major operations in key industries that include: automotive, advanced manufacturing, information and communications technologies, life sciences, chemicals, plastics, aerospace, food products, forestry and mining.
  
• With a GDP of close to $408.7 billion in 2003, Ontario’s economy is larger than that of Switzerland ($309.5 billion), Belgium ($302.2 billion), Sweden ($300.8 billion) or Austria ($251.5 billion).
  
• Private sector forecasters predict Ontario’s average growth will exceed that of the U.K., Japan, France, Italy, Germany and Canada between 2005–2007.
• Business confidence is high. Corporate profits are expected to rise by 5.8% in 2004 and investment in machinery and equipment is expected to grow by 8.2%.
• We have no foreign exchange controls.

• We’re an integral part of the North American Free Trade Agreement; this region has a population of 420 million and a GDP of $12.3 trillion. NAFTA rules allow goods to enter the U.S. and Mexico duty-free when 62.5% of their content is manufactured in Ontario.
• Ontario’s corporate centres are about 2 hours by air from major U.S. centres like Chicago, New York and Boston
• We’re a major exporter; our international exports were close to $135 billion in 2003—50% of Canada’s exports

• KPMG’s comprehensive 2004 Competitive Alternatives report finds that Canada’s business costs are the most competitive of the G7 countries (U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada).
• Ontario’s combined (provincial and federal) general corporate income tax rate is 4 percentage points below the U.S. average

• 56% of our workforce of 6.8 million has a post-secondary education—that’s higher than any industrialized country according to the Paris-based OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development).
  
• According to the 2003 World Competitiveness Yearbook, world business leaders rank Canada’s educational system ahead of Japan and the U.S. in their ability to meet the needs of a competitive economy.
• Our 20 universities and 24 colleges of arts and applied technology produce a steady supply of well-educated, industry-ready workers.
• We have highly educated scientists and engineers and our universities produce more than 29,000 graduates a year in mathematics, engineering and sciences.
  
• Our workforce is ethnically diverse—we speak over 100 languages—and that gives us a distinctive edge in serving global markets.

• Ontario is a multicultural centre—so, no matter where you and your family are from, you’ll feel at home in Ontario.
• International firms establishing or expanding operations in Ontario can transfer key overseas personnel.
• Spouses of transferred employees can apply for their own work permits.
• Ontario provides high-quality, low-cost education as well as cost-effective, publicly funded, universal health care.
• The choice of cultural and recreational options is endless, from major league sports and Broadway plays to lakes and forests.

Source: http://www.2ontario.com/ (November 2005)
Summary: although these facts don’t directly speak to real estate, they should convey that Ontario is at the heart of a steady, long term economic boom for Canada. What it means to you is a steady appreciation in property value, more desirable tenants, and reasonable taxes/expenses.

• For more information, feel free to contact me from the contact information below. I also encourage you to peruse my web site to get an idea of whom you will be dealing with.