3.5 – Introduction deck – The Prairie region

Prairie population

• Young – Only provinces with an average age under 40 years old.
• Diverse – Home to nearly 40% of Canada’s Indigenous population. Attracted over 22% of Canada’s recent immigrants in 2021.
• Engaged - Top 3 highest provincial labour force participation rates over the last decade.

 

Industry composition

The top 5 sectors by GDP on the Prairies include:

• Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (21%)
• Real estate and rental leasing (11%)
• Manufacturing (8%)
• Construction (7%)
• Health care and social assistance (7%)

 

Trade and exports

In 2024, the Prairies accounted for $249 billion of Canada’s international goods exports.

89% of exports sent to: the U.S. (82%), China (5%), and Japan (2%).

Primary/raw materials account for 6 of the top 10 Canadian exports.

Crude oil from the Prairies is Canada’s most valuable export ($137 billion in 2024).

 

Economic impact

With only 19% of Canada’s population, the Prairies account for:

• 22% of Canada’s nominal GDP.
• 28% of Canada’s capital expenditures.
• 34% of Canada’s international goods exports.

World’s largest producer of potash, second largest producer of uranium, and fourth largest producer of crude oil.

Alberta

• Nominal GDP: $452B (2023)
• Population: 4.9M (Q4 2024)
• Exports to U.S.: $162.1 billion (30% of Canadian exports to U.S.)
• Key international exports include oil and gas, plastics, beef, wheat, and canola.
• Highest economic output per capita in Canada.
• Home to Canada’s largest wind generating facility and two largest solar facilities.

Saskatchewan

• Nominal GDP: $110B (2023)
• Population: 1.2M (Q4 2024)
• Exports to U.S.: $26.7 billion (5% of Canadian exports to U.S.)
• Key international exports include oil, potash, wheat, canola, lentils and uranium.
• Largest share of Canada’s total farm area.
• Home to critical minerals and rare earth elements that are rising in global demand.

Manitoba

• Nominal GDP: $92B (2023)
• Population: 1.5M (Q4 2024)
• Exports to U.S.: $14.5 billion (3% of Canadian exports to U.S.)
• Diversity of international exports including, pharmaceuticals, wheat, pork, canola, agricultural machinery, and electricity (hydro).
• Steady growth in times of prosperity and minimal decline during recessions.
• One of the cleanest electricity grids in the world.