Canadian Imports
Which of these is an import when Canada buys it from another country: maple syrup produced in Ontario, or cars made in another country?
Cars made in another country.
What is one major product Canada sends to other countries (an export)?
Examples: timber, wheat, oil, seafood, minerals.
When we import items from other countries that we can make in Canada, does this have a negative impact on our economy. If yes, how?
Yes. Importing products from another country that can be made here takes jobs away from Canadians.
What does it mean when we say Canada is part of the "global community" in trade? Give a simple answer.
It means Canada trades with, follows rules with, and cooperates with other countries around the world.
Canada has a long coastline. How does having a coastline help with trade?
Coasts allow ships and ports for importing/exporting large amounts of goods.
Name one common product Canada imports.
Answers will vary (Examples: electronics, cars, clothing, machinery, fruits.)
Why are natural resources like timber or minerals important as exports for Canada? Give one reason.
Natural resources are abundant, create jobs, and bring money into the country.
How can international trade cause invasive species to be introduced into Canada?
Through the shipping process. On ships, in shipping containers, on/in food.
Name one way that Canada benefits from participating in the global community.
Answers will vary: Importing goods that would not normally be available to us, exporting goods which creates jobs and brings in money, military alliances.
Why might cities near the US border trade more with the United States than cities far to the north? Give one reason.
Less distance=Lower shipping costs and less time involved in shipping process.
Why might Canada import fruits that we can grow here in certain seasons? Provide one reason.
Reason: climate prevents year-round growing; to provide fresh fruit year-round.
Name one Canadian agricultural product exported to other countries and say why other countries might want it. (Hint: Think of the types of food that we can grow/produce in abundance here.)
Examples: wheat, canola, maple products — other countries want them for food or production.
Why does Canada import products that can be made here?
How can Canada help other countries by trading fairly or sharing resources? Give one example.
Example: exporting medical supplies, sharing technology, or buying food to prevent shortages.
Explain how cold northern climates can affect what goods are exported or imported. Provide one example.
Cold climates: may import fresh fruits; export winter resources like fur or certain minerals.
Explain how importing natural gas or oil can help meet Canada’s energy needs during high demand.
Imports can fill short-term shortages or balance supply when domestic production is low.
Explain how exporting goods helps Canada’s economy in one or two sentences.
Exports bring income, support jobs, and help businesses grow.
What does Fair Trade mean?
Fair trade means that employees are treated fairly and paid a fair wage.
Creates positive relationships with other countries.
Describe how Canada’s many natural resources (like forests and minerals) are linked to its geography and trade.
Forests lead to timber exports; mineral-rich areas produce mining exports.
Describe one challenge Canada faces when importing large machines or heavy goods from far away countries.
Examples: high shipping cost, long transit time, customs/duties, risk of damage.
Describe how technology or manufactured goods can be important exports.
Example: aerospace parts, machinery, software — They bring a lot of money in for Canada.
How can choosing to buy Fair trade products prevent poor working conditions in other countries.
Buying products that are not fair trade encourages poor working conditions. Buying products that are fair trade discourages poor working conditions by not giving money to companies/countries with poor working conditions.
Describe one way global events (like a worldwide pandemic or a big storm in another country) could affect Canada’s ability to trade.
Examples: Ability to ship/receive products, shortages, price changes.
Explain one way seasonal changes (winter vs. summer) in Canada might change the kinds or amounts of goods Canada imports or exports.
Winters can slow shipping or increase demand for heating fuels; summers can increase exports of seasonal produce.