A Geography of the Canadian Economy

Gordon C. Shaw is professor emeritus in the Faculty of Administrative
Studies at York University.

This book describes the factors affecting the economic geography of
Canada at the start of the 21st century. According to the author, the
Canadian economy is a “work in progress” that has been influenced in
recent decades by such factors as the recognition that our
resource-based industries offer limited potential for expansion, the
closer integration of the Canadian and the U.S. economies, and the
increasing importance of the “knowledge economy.”

The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 considers Canada’s place
in the world economy, along with cultural and political considerations,
environmental concerns, and the rise of the major metropolitan regions.
Part 2 examines the technological and cultural changes that have
occurred in the various sectors (manufacturing, service, agriculture,
transportation, etc.), while Part 3 looks at specific regions (Atlantic
Canada, Ontario, Quebec, Western Canada, and the North). In discussing
the expansion of regionalism in Canada, Wallace likens Canada to an
archipelago, with each region becoming increasingly insular—a trend
that has strengthened the role of provincial governments but at the same
time made it more difficult for the federal government to initiate and
control nationwide programs and policies.

The book is well written, albeit in an academic style, and includes a
useful summary at the end of each chapter, an excellent index, and 11
pages of references. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in
the future of Canada’s economy, and especially for those at senior
levels in government or business.