Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto is Canada's largest city with a diverse population of more than 2.6 million people. Toronto boasts a growing creative sector, biotechnology and food processing industries and a strong financial services sector.

 

Financial Services

Toronto is the financial service capital of Canada.   Globally, Toronto's banking sector is the envy of the world having weathered the Financial Crisis successfully.  It is home to five of Canada's largest domestic banks. In addition to domestic operators, 39 foreign bank subsidiaries and branches and 119 securities firms are located in Toronto. Toronto is ranked 12th in the world on the Global Financial Centre Index and sustains many strong related industries such as law, accounting, information technology, education/training and business services.

Two of the top 10 life insurers worldwide are headquartered in Toronto. In addition, it is the home base of the third largest stock exchange in North America. The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) is Canada's senior equities market with the TSX Venture Exchange serving the public venture equity market.

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Biotechnology

Toronto's medical and biotechnology cluster is the largest of any metropolitan area in North America and among the top 10 in the world. A large network of hospitals, academic institutions, pharmaceutical products, medical devices and technology, diagnostic labs, health care services, IT systems and hospital supplies are all part of a 7 million square foot Discovery District in Toronto.

Toronto's research infrastructure is closely aligned with others across Ontario. It is among the world's top Research and Development hubs. The sector's research base is diverse and represents disciplines at the leading edge of science and technology. Top scientists and researchers from around the world are attracted to the academic and research opportunities, creating a vibrant innovative economy.

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Food Processing

The food processing industry in Toronto is one of the largest in North America. Annual sales are over $17 billion and the industry continues to grow. New business growth in this sector is partly due to demand for new specialty products attributed to increasing concern over nutrition, food safety and the environment as well as a growing diverse population and global connections.

The sector also attracts business in related service industries including packaging, design, biotechnology and specialized storage and transportation. Toronto's ideal location connects exporters to both North American and international markets. The food and beverage processing industry is Ontario's largest manufacturing sector with half of Canada's top-ranked manufacturers headquartered in Toronto.

 

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Creative and Cultural

Toronto's creative economy has several dominant sectors including film and television, new media, design, music and sound recording, performing arts, and media and publishing. These creative industries generate a GDP of $9 billion annually. Newly developed state-of-the-art facilities such as Filmport, North America's largest studio complex outside of Los Angeles, benefit from Toronto's highly skilled workforce and advanced educational institutions.

Toronto has the third largest English language live theatre market in the world. Millions of tourists enjoy world-renowned cultural attractions such as the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario and attend annual festivals including the acclaimed Toronto International Film Festival. Related creative sectors include architecture, interior, industrial, graphic and fashion design, animation, post-production, special effects, website development and music production which are all centred in Toronto.

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Toronto Facts

• 5th largest city in North America
• Close proximity to major Northeast and Midwest cities in North America
• 100 languages and dialects spoken
• Ranked 4th for culture and creativity
• Best educated workforce in the G7
• 3rd largest financial services centre in North America
• World's top ranked banking system