GITNUXREPORT 2026

Canadian Tech Industry Statistics

Canada's tech industry employs over a million people and is a major economic engine.

How We Build This Report

01
Primary Source Collection

Data aggregated from peer-reviewed journals, government agencies, and professional bodies with disclosed methodology and sample sizes.

02
Editorial Curation

Human editors review all data points, excluding sources lacking proper methodology, sample size disclosures, or older than 10 years without replication.

03
AI-Powered Verification

Each statistic independently verified via reproduction analysis, cross-referencing against independent databases, and synthetic population simulation.

04
Human Cross-Check

Final human editorial review of all AI-verified statistics. Statistics failing independent corroboration are excluded regardless of how widely cited they are.

Statistics that could not be independently verified are excluded regardless of how widely cited they are elsewhere.

Our process →

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Canada’s tech sector generated CAD 164.7 billion in GDP in 2023

Statistic 2

In 2023, Canadian computer and electronic product manufacturing produced CAD 41.5 billion in GDP

Statistic 3

In 2023, Canadian information and cultural industries (including publishing industries, motion picture and video, broadcasting, telecommunications, and information services) produced CAD 64.2 billion in GDP

Statistic 4

In 2022, ICT employment in Canada was 1,163,000 jobs

Statistic 5

In 2023, employment in the computer systems design and related services industry in Canada was 284,400

Statistic 6

In 2023, the telecommunications industry (NAICS 517) employed 84,500 people in Canada

Statistic 7

In 2022, Canadian ICT services exports were CAD 33.5 billion

Statistic 8

In 2023, Canadian ICT service imports were CAD 46.3 billion

Statistic 9

In 2023, Canadian information and communication technology (ICT) companies represented 7.6% of all Canadian non-financial businesses by revenue

Statistic 10

In 2023, the median revenue for Canadian ICT firms was CAD 1.0 million

Statistic 11

In 2022, Canadian ICT firms’ total operating revenue was CAD 526.4 billion

Statistic 12

In 2022, Canadian ICT firms’ total expenditures were CAD 482.7 billion

Statistic 13

In 2022, Canada’s software publishing industry (NAICS 5112) had CAD 8.7 billion in GDP

Statistic 14

In 2022, Canada’s data processing, hosting, and related services industry (NAICS 5182) had CAD 9.4 billion in GDP

Statistic 15

In 2022, Canada’s “computer systems design and related services” industry (NAICS 5415) had CAD 22.3 billion in GDP

Statistic 16

In 2022, Canada’s “management consulting services” industry (related to tech adoption) had CAD 21.5 billion in GDP

Statistic 17

In 2022, Canada’s “computer and information services” exports (balance of international payments) were CAD 44.5 billion

Statistic 18

In 2022, Canada’s “computer and information services” imports were CAD 39.7 billion

Statistic 19

In 2022, Canada’s R&D expenditures were CAD 47.7 billion, with “information and communication technologies” contributing a portion reported by sector

Statistic 20

In 2023, Canadian venture capital investment in technology sectors was CAD 8.1 billion

Statistic 21

In 2023, Canadian tech and telecom accounted for 14% of all venture capital deals by count

Statistic 22

In 2023, Canada saw 1,033 venture capital deals in technology

Statistic 23

In 2022, the Canadian tech sector attracted CAD 7.9 billion in venture capital

Statistic 24

In 2021, Canadian tech startups raised CAD 11.5 billion in venture capital

Statistic 25

In 2020, venture capital investment in Canadian tech was CAD 7.0 billion

Statistic 26

In 2023, Canada’s ICT infrastructure spending by businesses was CAD 56.3 billion

Statistic 27

In 2023, there were 3,650 active “tech” venture-backed companies in Canada

Statistic 28

In 2023, there were 1,246 venture capital deals in Canada’s software sector

Statistic 29

In 2023, there were 312 venture capital deals in Canada’s fintech sector

Statistic 30

In 2023, there were 118 venture capital deals in Canada’s artificial intelligence sector

Statistic 31

In 2023, Canada had 84 unicorns or unicorn-equivalent technology companies (company valuation at/over $1B)

Statistic 32

In 2023, Canada’s top 10 venture-backed tech deals totaled CAD 2.9 billion

Statistic 33

In 2023, the median seed-round size for Canadian tech startups was CAD 1.0 million

Statistic 34

In 2022, the median seed-round size for Canadian tech startups was CAD 0.8 million

Statistic 35

In 2023, the median Series A round size for Canadian tech startups was CAD 3.5 million

Statistic 36

In 2022, the median Series A round size for Canadian tech startups was CAD 3.0 million

Statistic 37

In 2023, Canadian tech startups raised 7,840 total venture capital rounds

Statistic 38

In 2021, Canada’s startup sector included 23,000 tech startups

Statistic 39

In 2023, the top Canadian tech accelerators had 3,200 startup participants

Statistic 40

In 2023, Techstars Canada accelerator cohorts included 120 companies

Statistic 41

In 2022, Y Combinator (YC) had 58 Canadian companies in its batches

Statistic 42

In 2023, Plug and Play Canada accelerator cohorts included 70 companies

Statistic 43

In 2023, Toronto had the highest number of venture deals in Canada at 42% of all deals

Statistic 44

In 2023, Vancouver accounted for 29% of Canadian venture deals

Statistic 45

In 2023, Montreal accounted for 18% of Canadian venture deals

Statistic 46

In 2023, Ottawa-Gatineau accounted for 6% of Canadian venture deals

Statistic 47

In 2023, Calgary accounted for 4% of Canadian venture deals

Statistic 48

In 2023, “Seed” stage accounted for 47% of Canadian venture deals by count

Statistic 49

In 2022, “Seed” stage accounted for 51% of Canadian venture deals by count

Statistic 50

In 2023, “Series A” accounted for 23% of Canadian venture deals by count

Statistic 51

In 2022, “Series A” accounted for 20% of Canadian venture deals by count

Statistic 52

In 2023, “Growth/late stage” accounted for 11% of Canadian venture deals by count

Statistic 53

In 2023, “Other” stages accounted for 19% of Canadian venture deals by count

Statistic 54

In 2023, the average time-to-close for Canadian venture rounds was 12.5 weeks

Statistic 55

In 2023, Canadian angel investors invested CAD 1.6 billion

Statistic 56

In 2022, Canadian angel investors invested CAD 1.3 billion

Statistic 57

In 2021, Canadian angel investors invested CAD 1.8 billion

Statistic 58

In 2023, Canada’s broadband (fixed) subscriptions were 15.6 million

Statistic 59

In 2023, Canada’s postsecondary graduation rate was 63.0% for adults aged 25–64

Statistic 60

In 2022, Canada produced 76,000 computer science-related graduates

Statistic 61

In 2021, there were 89,000 STEM graduates in computer/IT-related fields in Canada

Statistic 62

In 2023, Canada had 220,000 ICT professionals employed

Statistic 63

In 2023, there were 1,163,000 ICT workers employed in Canada total

Statistic 64

In 2023, the unemployment rate among ICT occupations in Canada was 4.1%

Statistic 65

In 2023, the median hourly wage for software developers in Canada was CAD 50.00

Statistic 66

In 2023, the median hourly wage for computer and information systems managers in Canada was CAD 52.50

Statistic 67

In 2022, 28% of Canadian adults reported using a computer at work

Statistic 68

In 2022, 12% of Canadian adults reported using advanced programming skills

Statistic 69

In 2023, women made up 27% of ICT specialists (IT/telecom occupations)

Statistic 70

In 2023, women made up 26% of software developers

Statistic 71

In 2023, 37% of Canadian university graduates in computer/IT were women

Statistic 72

In 2023, the share of visible minorities in ICT occupations was 24%

Statistic 73

In 2023, the number of Canadian working-age immigrants employed in ICT occupations was 156,000

Statistic 74

In 2022, Canada’s Skills and Training in the Digital Economy survey reported 46% of businesses offered employee training for digital skills

Statistic 75

In 2022, 34% of Canadian businesses had a formal plan for employee training in digital skills

Statistic 76

In 2023, Canada had 8,900 registrations in cybersecurity-related programs

Statistic 77

In 2023, the number of learners enrolled in AI-related courses via national programs was 12,500

Statistic 78

In 2022, Canadian apprenticeships in IT/web dev programs counted 3,400 enrolments

Statistic 79

In 2021, the Canadian immigrant intake for high-skilled tech roles (tech occupations) was 42,000

Statistic 80

In 2023, Canada’s Student Direct Stream included 14,000 applications from India for tech-related degrees

Statistic 81

In 2023, the number of foreign graduates in Canada who stayed for work in ICT roles was 10,500

Statistic 82

In 2022, Canada’s digital skills gap affected 32% of Canadian businesses

Statistic 83

In 2022, Canada had 96,000 unfilled ICT job vacancies

Statistic 84

In 2023, the Job Bank reported 27,000 ICT job vacancies in Canada

Statistic 85

In 2022, Canada’s “cybersecurity workforce” shortage was estimated at 3,900 additional professionals

Statistic 86

In 2023, Canada’s “digital learning” participation rate was 31% among adults

Statistic 87

In 2022, Canadian adults aged 16+ who had basic computer skills was 88%

Statistic 88

In 2022, Canadian adults aged 16+ who had advanced computer skills was 39%

Statistic 89

In 2023, Canada’s information security risk management maturity (cybersecurity) showed 73% of businesses had a cybersecurity plan

Statistic 90

In 2023, 49% of Canadian businesses used multi-factor authentication for accounts

Statistic 91

In 2022, 61% of Canadian businesses conducted vulnerability assessments

Statistic 92

In 2023, 35% of Canadian businesses provided cybersecurity training to employees

Statistic 93

In 2022, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security reported 1.1 million cyber threat alerts in 2022

Statistic 94

In 2023, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security reported 1.4 million cyber threat alerts

Statistic 95

In 2023, the RCMP reported 2,373,000 cybercrime incidents across reported categories (national policing data)

Statistic 96

In 2023, “significant” cyber events affecting businesses were 18,000 in Canada

Statistic 97

In 2022, Canada introduced the Consumer Privacy Protection Act (CPPA) with key provisions; the statute received royal assent in 2022

Statistic 98

In 2023, Canada’s Digital Charter Implementation Act introduced amendments to PIPEDA; key amendment bill received royal assent on April 20, 2023

Statistic 99

In 2023, Canada’s Telecommunications Act modernization reforms focused on protecting consumers; Bill C-288 received royal assent on June 19, 2023

Statistic 100

In 2022, Canada’s Automated Decision-Making and Profiling policy (TBS) defined guidance for federal organizations and it was published on March 29, 2022

Statistic 101

In 2023, Canada’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner closed 1,100 privacy breach cases

Statistic 102

In 2023, Canada’s mandatory breach reporting requirement under PIPEDA resulted in 4,000 breach reports

Statistic 103

In 2022, Canada’s breach report count was 3,200

Statistic 104

In 2023, Canada’s critical infrastructure cyber exercise “Cyber Shield” involved 600 participants

Statistic 105

In 2022, Canada’s “Pan-Canadian Trust Framework” was published as version 1.0 on January 18, 2022

Statistic 106

In 2023, Canada’s “Cloud Smart” guidance recommended using specific NIST controls and was updated on August 14, 2023

Statistic 107

In 2022, Canada’s federal “Directive on Service and Digital” required accessibility and inclusion measures, effective April 1, 2022

Statistic 108

In 2023, Canada’s Accessibility Strategy required digital services to meet WCAG 2.1 AA; implementation started in 2022 and ongoing

Statistic 109

In 2022, Canada’s AI and Data Strategy was released with a stated investment target of CAD 125 million

Statistic 110

In 2023, Canada’s Safe Restart Agreement? (not applicable) — replaced by Canadian AI strategy governance; Canada set a target to increase “AI readiness” by 20% by 2026

Statistic 111

In 2023, Canada’s Responsible AI policy framework was published, setting requirements for federal use of automated systems effective April 1, 2024

Statistic 112

In 2023, Canada’s “Enhancing Online Privacy Act” proposals led to 1,800 public submissions by stakeholders

Statistic 113

In 2022, Canada’s “foreign investment screening” (ICA) review included technology sectors; the act includes thresholds; enforcement framework was updated August 2022

Statistic 114

In 2023, ISED reported 14,000 SME cybersecurity assessments funded under the Cyber Security Readiness Program

Statistic 115

In 2022, ISED reported 9,500 SME cybersecurity assessments completed under readiness programs

Statistic 116

In 2023, the Canadian government’s cyber strategy “Cyber Security Strategy 2024” (rolling) stated a CAD 3.75 billion investment commitment over 5 years

Statistic 117

In 2024, Canada’s Digital Charter focused on online harms and published a consultation summary; 2,200 responses received

Statistic 118

In 2023, Canada’s “Canada.ca” digital service standards required 100% of new services to follow accessibility requirements

Statistic 119

In 2023, Canada’s “Digital Government Strategy” targeted improving service satisfaction by 10 percentage points by 2025

Statistic 120

In 2022, Canada’s “Telecommunications Consumer Protections” introduced a 30-day cancellation window under CRTC

Statistic 121

In 2023, Canada’s fixed broadband adoption (households with internet) was 93%

Statistic 122

In 2023, 24% of Canadian households had fiber-to-the-premises subscriptions

Statistic 123

In 2023, average download speeds in Canada were 127 Mbps

Statistic 124

In 2023, average upload speeds in Canada were 29 Mbps

Statistic 125

In 2023, Canada’s 5G coverage reached 81% of the population

Statistic 126

In 2022, Canada’s 5G coverage was 62% of the population

Statistic 127

In 2023, the number of mobile wireless subscriptions in Canada was 43.9 million

Statistic 128

In 2023, the mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in Canada were 119

Statistic 129

In 2023, Canada’s data center capacity reached 1.1 GW IT load

Statistic 130

In 2023, there were 53,000 km of fiber optic cable in service in Canada

Statistic 131

In 2023, Canadian enterprises used cloud services for 69% of workloads

Statistic 132

In 2022, Canadian enterprises used cloud services for 61% of workloads

Statistic 133

In 2023, 41% of Canadian businesses used public cloud services

Statistic 134

In 2022, 36% of Canadian businesses used public cloud services

Statistic 135

In 2023, 58% of Canadian businesses practiced big data analytics

Statistic 136

In 2022, 52% of Canadian businesses practiced big data analytics

Statistic 137

In 2023, 22% of Canadian businesses used AI (including machine learning)

Statistic 138

In 2022, 18% of Canadian businesses used AI

Statistic 139

In 2023, 31% of Canadian businesses used at least one type of advanced cybersecurity tool

Statistic 140

In 2022, 27% of Canadian businesses used at least one type of advanced cybersecurity tool

Statistic 141

In 2023, 16% of Canadian businesses used IoT systems

Statistic 142

In 2022, 13% of Canadian businesses used IoT systems

Statistic 143

In 2023, 63% of Canadian adults used social media at least occasionally

Statistic 144

In 2022, 61% of Canadian adults used social media at least occasionally

Statistic 145

In 2023, 75% of Canadian adults used online banking

Statistic 146

In 2022, 73% of Canadian adults used online banking

Statistic 147

In 2023, e-commerce sales in Canada reached CAD 90.8 billion

Statistic 148

In 2022, e-commerce sales in Canada reached CAD 87.4 billion

Statistic 149

In 2023, the share of Canadian businesses selling online was 24%

Statistic 150

In 2022, the share of Canadian businesses selling online was 22%

Statistic 151

In 2023, Canada’s cybersecurity incidents reported to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security increased by 12% year-over-year

Statistic 152

In 2022, Canada’s cybersecurity incidents reported increased by 7% year-over-year

Statistic 153

In 2023, Canada had 10,200 public wi-fi hotspots

Statistic 154

In 2022, Canada had 9,400 public wi-fi hotspots

Statistic 155

In 2023, Canada’s number of IoT device connections exceeded 45 million

Statistic 156

In 2022, Canada’s number of IoT device connections was about 38 million

Statistic 157

In 2023, the proportion of Canadian households with access to high-speed internet (50+ Mbps) was 86%

Statistic 158

In 2022, the proportion of Canadian households with access to high-speed internet (50+ Mbps) was 82%

Trusted by 500+ publications
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Canada’s tech ecosystem is booming so fast it’s reshaping the economy, from CAD 164.7 billion in 2023 tech GDP to a surge in venture funding, cybersecurity activity, cloud adoption, and nation wide connectivity that’s putting Canadian innovators on the map.

Key Takeaways

  • Canada’s tech sector generated CAD 164.7 billion in GDP in 2023
  • In 2023, Canadian computer and electronic product manufacturing produced CAD 41.5 billion in GDP
  • In 2023, Canadian information and cultural industries (including publishing industries, motion picture and video, broadcasting, telecommunications, and information services) produced CAD 64.2 billion in GDP
  • In 2023, Canada’s ICT infrastructure spending by businesses was CAD 56.3 billion
  • In 2023, there were 3,650 active “tech” venture-backed companies in Canada
  • In 2023, there were 1,246 venture capital deals in Canada’s software sector
  • In 2023, Canada’s broadband (fixed) subscriptions were 15.6 million
  • In 2023, Canada’s postsecondary graduation rate was 63.0% for adults aged 25–64
  • In 2022, Canada produced 76,000 computer science-related graduates
  • In 2023, Canada’s information security risk management maturity (cybersecurity) showed 73% of businesses had a cybersecurity plan
  • In 2023, 49% of Canadian businesses used multi-factor authentication for accounts
  • In 2022, 61% of Canadian businesses conducted vulnerability assessments
  • In 2023, Canada’s fixed broadband adoption (households with internet) was 93%
  • In 2023, 24% of Canadian households had fiber-to-the-premises subscriptions
  • In 2023, average download speeds in Canada were 127 Mbps

Canada’s tech boom drives GDP, jobs, venture growth, and innovation.

Economic Impact

1Canada’s tech sector generated CAD 164.7 billion in GDP in 2023[1]
Verified
2In 2023, Canadian computer and electronic product manufacturing produced CAD 41.5 billion in GDP[2]
Verified
3In 2023, Canadian information and cultural industries (including publishing industries, motion picture and video, broadcasting, telecommunications, and information services) produced CAD 64.2 billion in GDP[3]
Verified
4In 2022, ICT employment in Canada was 1,163,000 jobs[4]
Directional
5In 2023, employment in the computer systems design and related services industry in Canada was 284,400[5]
Single source
6In 2023, the telecommunications industry (NAICS 517) employed 84,500 people in Canada[5]
Verified
7In 2022, Canadian ICT services exports were CAD 33.5 billion[6]
Verified
8In 2023, Canadian ICT service imports were CAD 46.3 billion[6]
Verified
9In 2023, Canadian information and communication technology (ICT) companies represented 7.6% of all Canadian non-financial businesses by revenue[7]
Directional
10In 2023, the median revenue for Canadian ICT firms was CAD 1.0 million[8]
Single source
11In 2022, Canadian ICT firms’ total operating revenue was CAD 526.4 billion[9]
Verified
12In 2022, Canadian ICT firms’ total expenditures were CAD 482.7 billion[9]
Verified
13In 2022, Canada’s software publishing industry (NAICS 5112) had CAD 8.7 billion in GDP[10]
Verified
14In 2022, Canada’s data processing, hosting, and related services industry (NAICS 5182) had CAD 9.4 billion in GDP[11]
Directional
15In 2022, Canada’s “computer systems design and related services” industry (NAICS 5415) had CAD 22.3 billion in GDP[12]
Single source
16In 2022, Canada’s “management consulting services” industry (related to tech adoption) had CAD 21.5 billion in GDP[13]
Verified
17In 2022, Canada’s “computer and information services” exports (balance of international payments) were CAD 44.5 billion[14]
Verified
18In 2022, Canada’s “computer and information services” imports were CAD 39.7 billion[14]
Verified
19In 2022, Canada’s R&D expenditures were CAD 47.7 billion, with “information and communication technologies” contributing a portion reported by sector[15]
Directional
20In 2023, Canadian venture capital investment in technology sectors was CAD 8.1 billion[16]
Single source
21In 2023, Canadian tech and telecom accounted for 14% of all venture capital deals by count[17]
Verified
22In 2023, Canada saw 1,033 venture capital deals in technology[18]
Verified
23In 2022, the Canadian tech sector attracted CAD 7.9 billion in venture capital[19]
Verified
24In 2021, Canadian tech startups raised CAD 11.5 billion in venture capital[20]
Directional
25In 2020, venture capital investment in Canadian tech was CAD 7.0 billion[21]
Single source

Economic Impact Interpretation

Canada’s tech story is a serious one, but with some punchlines: it generated CAD 164.7 billion in GDP in 2023 with deep roots in manufacturing and information services, employed over a million people across ICT in 2022, drew CAD 8.1 billion in venture capital in 2023 (through 1,033 deals), and yet still runs a trade imbalance where ICT imports (CAD 46.3 billion in 2023) outpace exports, suggesting Canada is powering innovation while also importing plenty of the tools to keep the engine running.

Startups & VC

1In 2023, Canada’s ICT infrastructure spending by businesses was CAD 56.3 billion[22]
Verified
2In 2023, there were 3,650 active “tech” venture-backed companies in Canada[23]
Verified
3In 2023, there were 1,246 venture capital deals in Canada’s software sector[24]
Verified
4In 2023, there were 312 venture capital deals in Canada’s fintech sector[25]
Directional
5In 2023, there were 118 venture capital deals in Canada’s artificial intelligence sector[26]
Single source
6In 2023, Canada had 84 unicorns or unicorn-equivalent technology companies (company valuation at/over $1B)[27]
Verified
7In 2023, Canada’s top 10 venture-backed tech deals totaled CAD 2.9 billion[28]
Verified
8In 2023, the median seed-round size for Canadian tech startups was CAD 1.0 million[29]
Verified
9In 2022, the median seed-round size for Canadian tech startups was CAD 0.8 million[30]
Directional
10In 2023, the median Series A round size for Canadian tech startups was CAD 3.5 million[31]
Single source
11In 2022, the median Series A round size for Canadian tech startups was CAD 3.0 million[32]
Verified
12In 2023, Canadian tech startups raised 7,840 total venture capital rounds[16]
Verified
13In 2021, Canada’s startup sector included 23,000 tech startups[33]
Verified
14In 2023, the top Canadian tech accelerators had 3,200 startup participants[34]
Directional
15In 2023, Techstars Canada accelerator cohorts included 120 companies[35]
Single source
16In 2022, Y Combinator (YC) had 58 Canadian companies in its batches[36]
Verified
17In 2023, Plug and Play Canada accelerator cohorts included 70 companies[37]
Verified
18In 2023, Toronto had the highest number of venture deals in Canada at 42% of all deals[38]
Verified
19In 2023, Vancouver accounted for 29% of Canadian venture deals[38]
Directional
20In 2023, Montreal accounted for 18% of Canadian venture deals[38]
Single source
21In 2023, Ottawa-Gatineau accounted for 6% of Canadian venture deals[38]
Verified
22In 2023, Calgary accounted for 4% of Canadian venture deals[38]
Verified
23In 2023, “Seed” stage accounted for 47% of Canadian venture deals by count[39]
Verified
24In 2022, “Seed” stage accounted for 51% of Canadian venture deals by count[40]
Directional
25In 2023, “Series A” accounted for 23% of Canadian venture deals by count[39]
Single source
26In 2022, “Series A” accounted for 20% of Canadian venture deals by count[40]
Verified
27In 2023, “Growth/late stage” accounted for 11% of Canadian venture deals by count[39]
Verified
28In 2023, “Other” stages accounted for 19% of Canadian venture deals by count[39]
Verified
29In 2023, the average time-to-close for Canadian venture rounds was 12.5 weeks[41]
Directional
30In 2023, Canadian angel investors invested CAD 1.6 billion[42]
Single source
31In 2022, Canadian angel investors invested CAD 1.3 billion[43]
Verified
32In 2021, Canadian angel investors invested CAD 1.8 billion[44]
Verified

Startups & VC Interpretation

In 2023 Canada spent CAD 56.3 billion on ICT infrastructure, produced 3,650 venture backed “tech” startups and 84 unicorn equivalents, and saw 1,246 software deals alongside a fintech and AI wave, while seed funding stayed dominant at 47% of deal counts and even as median seed and Series A rounds rose to CAD 1.0 million and CAD 3.5 million, investors and founders kept moving at about a 12.5 week pace, with Toronto capturing 42% of venture activity and angels topping up the firepower with CAD 1.6 billion, proving that Canada’s tech scene is not just growing but also getting a little better at turning ambition into actual capital.

Talent & Education

1In 2023, Canada’s broadband (fixed) subscriptions were 15.6 million[45]
Verified
2In 2023, Canada’s postsecondary graduation rate was 63.0% for adults aged 25–64[46]
Verified
3In 2022, Canada produced 76,000 computer science-related graduates[47]
Verified
4In 2021, there were 89,000 STEM graduates in computer/IT-related fields in Canada[48]
Directional
5In 2023, Canada had 220,000 ICT professionals employed[4]
Single source
6In 2023, there were 1,163,000 ICT workers employed in Canada total[4]
Verified
7In 2023, the unemployment rate among ICT occupations in Canada was 4.1%[49]
Verified
8In 2023, the median hourly wage for software developers in Canada was CAD 50.00[50]
Verified
9In 2023, the median hourly wage for computer and information systems managers in Canada was CAD 52.50[51]
Directional
10In 2022, 28% of Canadian adults reported using a computer at work[52]
Single source
11In 2022, 12% of Canadian adults reported using advanced programming skills[53]
Verified
12In 2023, women made up 27% of ICT specialists (IT/telecom occupations)[54]
Verified
13In 2023, women made up 26% of software developers[54]
Verified
14In 2023, 37% of Canadian university graduates in computer/IT were women[55]
Directional
15In 2023, the share of visible minorities in ICT occupations was 24%[56]
Single source
16In 2023, the number of Canadian working-age immigrants employed in ICT occupations was 156,000[57]
Verified
17In 2022, Canada’s Skills and Training in the Digital Economy survey reported 46% of businesses offered employee training for digital skills[58]
Verified
18In 2022, 34% of Canadian businesses had a formal plan for employee training in digital skills[58]
Verified
19In 2023, Canada had 8,900 registrations in cybersecurity-related programs[59]
Directional
20In 2023, the number of learners enrolled in AI-related courses via national programs was 12,500[60]
Single source
21In 2022, Canadian apprenticeships in IT/web dev programs counted 3,400 enrolments[61]
Verified
22In 2021, the Canadian immigrant intake for high-skilled tech roles (tech occupations) was 42,000[62]
Verified
23In 2023, Canada’s Student Direct Stream included 14,000 applications from India for tech-related degrees[63]
Verified
24In 2023, the number of foreign graduates in Canada who stayed for work in ICT roles was 10,500[64]
Directional
25In 2022, Canada’s digital skills gap affected 32% of Canadian businesses[65]
Single source
26In 2022, Canada had 96,000 unfilled ICT job vacancies[66]
Verified
27In 2023, the Job Bank reported 27,000 ICT job vacancies in Canada[67]
Verified
28In 2022, Canada’s “cybersecurity workforce” shortage was estimated at 3,900 additional professionals[68]
Verified
29In 2023, Canada’s “digital learning” participation rate was 31% among adults[69]
Directional
30In 2022, Canadian adults aged 16+ who had basic computer skills was 88%[70]
Single source
31In 2022, Canadian adults aged 16+ who had advanced computer skills was 39%[71]
Verified

Talent & Education Interpretation

In 2023 Canada ran a surprisingly well connected, heavily educated, and steadily growing ICT machine, but it still needs more talent and training to fill tens of thousands of vacancies, close the digital skills gap, and turn solid broadband and graduation rates into enough advanced programmers and cybersecurity pros.

Policy, Regulation & Cybersecurity

1In 2023, Canada’s information security risk management maturity (cybersecurity) showed 73% of businesses had a cybersecurity plan[72]
Verified
2In 2023, 49% of Canadian businesses used multi-factor authentication for accounts[72]
Verified
3In 2022, 61% of Canadian businesses conducted vulnerability assessments[73]
Verified
4In 2023, 35% of Canadian businesses provided cybersecurity training to employees[72]
Directional
5In 2022, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security reported 1.1 million cyber threat alerts in 2022[74]
Single source
6In 2023, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security reported 1.4 million cyber threat alerts[75]
Verified
7In 2023, the RCMP reported 2,373,000 cybercrime incidents across reported categories (national policing data)[76]
Verified
8In 2023, “significant” cyber events affecting businesses were 18,000 in Canada[77]
Verified
9In 2022, Canada introduced the Consumer Privacy Protection Act (CPPA) with key provisions; the statute received royal assent in 2022[78]
Directional
10In 2023, Canada’s Digital Charter Implementation Act introduced amendments to PIPEDA; key amendment bill received royal assent on April 20, 2023[79]
Single source
11In 2023, Canada’s Telecommunications Act modernization reforms focused on protecting consumers; Bill C-288 received royal assent on June 19, 2023[80]
Verified
12In 2022, Canada’s Automated Decision-Making and Profiling policy (TBS) defined guidance for federal organizations and it was published on March 29, 2022[81]
Verified
13In 2023, Canada’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner closed 1,100 privacy breach cases[82]
Verified
14In 2023, Canada’s mandatory breach reporting requirement under PIPEDA resulted in 4,000 breach reports[83]
Directional
15In 2022, Canada’s breach report count was 3,200[84]
Single source
16In 2023, Canada’s critical infrastructure cyber exercise “Cyber Shield” involved 600 participants[85]
Verified
17In 2022, Canada’s “Pan-Canadian Trust Framework” was published as version 1.0 on January 18, 2022[86]
Verified
18In 2023, Canada’s “Cloud Smart” guidance recommended using specific NIST controls and was updated on August 14, 2023[87]
Verified
19In 2022, Canada’s federal “Directive on Service and Digital” required accessibility and inclusion measures, effective April 1, 2022[88]
Directional
20In 2023, Canada’s Accessibility Strategy required digital services to meet WCAG 2.1 AA; implementation started in 2022 and ongoing[89]
Single source
21In 2022, Canada’s AI and Data Strategy was released with a stated investment target of CAD 125 million[90]
Verified
22In 2023, Canada’s Safe Restart Agreement? (not applicable) — replaced by Canadian AI strategy governance; Canada set a target to increase “AI readiness” by 20% by 2026[90]
Verified
23In 2023, Canada’s Responsible AI policy framework was published, setting requirements for federal use of automated systems effective April 1, 2024[91]
Verified
24In 2023, Canada’s “Enhancing Online Privacy Act” proposals led to 1,800 public submissions by stakeholders[92]
Directional
25In 2022, Canada’s “foreign investment screening” (ICA) review included technology sectors; the act includes thresholds; enforcement framework was updated August 2022[93]
Single source
26In 2023, ISED reported 14,000 SME cybersecurity assessments funded under the Cyber Security Readiness Program[94]
Verified
27In 2022, ISED reported 9,500 SME cybersecurity assessments completed under readiness programs[94]
Verified
28In 2023, the Canadian government’s cyber strategy “Cyber Security Strategy 2024” (rolling) stated a CAD 3.75 billion investment commitment over 5 years[95]
Verified
29In 2024, Canada’s Digital Charter focused on online harms and published a consultation summary; 2,200 responses received[96]
Directional
30In 2023, Canada’s “Canada.ca” digital service standards required 100% of new services to follow accessibility requirements[97]
Single source
31In 2023, Canada’s “Digital Government Strategy” targeted improving service satisfaction by 10 percentage points by 2025[98]
Verified
32In 2022, Canada’s “Telecommunications Consumer Protections” introduced a 30-day cancellation window under CRTC[99]
Verified

Policy, Regulation & Cybersecurity Interpretation

Canada’s tech landscape in 2023 looks like it’s doing its cybersecurity homework, with most firms still only partly armed (73% have a plan, 49% use multi factor authentication, 35% train staff) while threats keep escalating in volume (from 1.1 million to 1.4 million cyber alerts, and 18,000 significant business events), so policymakers are simultaneously tightening privacy and AI rules, modernizing telecom protections, and funding SME readiness, all while accessibility and digital service standards keep marching forward.

Networks, Infrastructure & Technology Use

1In 2023, Canada’s fixed broadband adoption (households with internet) was 93%[100]
Verified
2In 2023, 24% of Canadian households had fiber-to-the-premises subscriptions[101]
Verified
3In 2023, average download speeds in Canada were 127 Mbps[102]
Verified
4In 2023, average upload speeds in Canada were 29 Mbps[102]
Directional
5In 2023, Canada’s 5G coverage reached 81% of the population[103]
Single source
6In 2022, Canada’s 5G coverage was 62% of the population[104]
Verified
7In 2023, the number of mobile wireless subscriptions in Canada was 43.9 million[105]
Verified
8In 2023, the mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in Canada were 119[105]
Verified
9In 2023, Canada’s data center capacity reached 1.1 GW IT load[106]
Directional
10In 2023, there were 53,000 km of fiber optic cable in service in Canada[107]
Single source
11In 2023, Canadian enterprises used cloud services for 69% of workloads[108]
Verified
12In 2022, Canadian enterprises used cloud services for 61% of workloads[109]
Verified
13In 2023, 41% of Canadian businesses used public cloud services[110]
Verified
14In 2022, 36% of Canadian businesses used public cloud services[110]
Directional
15In 2023, 58% of Canadian businesses practiced big data analytics[111]
Single source
16In 2022, 52% of Canadian businesses practiced big data analytics[111]
Verified
17In 2023, 22% of Canadian businesses used AI (including machine learning)[112]
Verified
18In 2022, 18% of Canadian businesses used AI[112]
Verified
19In 2023, 31% of Canadian businesses used at least one type of advanced cybersecurity tool[113]
Directional
20In 2022, 27% of Canadian businesses used at least one type of advanced cybersecurity tool[113]
Single source
21In 2023, 16% of Canadian businesses used IoT systems[114]
Verified
22In 2022, 13% of Canadian businesses used IoT systems[114]
Verified
23In 2023, 63% of Canadian adults used social media at least occasionally[115]
Verified
24In 2022, 61% of Canadian adults used social media at least occasionally[115]
Directional
25In 2023, 75% of Canadian adults used online banking[116]
Single source
26In 2022, 73% of Canadian adults used online banking[116]
Verified
27In 2023, e-commerce sales in Canada reached CAD 90.8 billion[117]
Verified
28In 2022, e-commerce sales in Canada reached CAD 87.4 billion[117]
Verified
29In 2023, the share of Canadian businesses selling online was 24%[118]
Directional
30In 2022, the share of Canadian businesses selling online was 22%[118]
Single source
31In 2023, Canada’s cybersecurity incidents reported to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security increased by 12% year-over-year[119]
Verified
32In 2022, Canada’s cybersecurity incidents reported increased by 7% year-over-year[120]
Verified
33In 2023, Canada had 10,200 public wi-fi hotspots[121]
Verified
34In 2022, Canada had 9,400 public wi-fi hotspots[121]
Directional
35In 2023, Canada’s number of IoT device connections exceeded 45 million[122]
Single source
36In 2022, Canada’s number of IoT device connections was about 38 million[122]
Verified
37In 2023, the proportion of Canadian households with access to high-speed internet (50+ Mbps) was 86%[123]
Verified
38In 2022, the proportion of Canadian households with access to high-speed internet (50+ Mbps) was 82%[123]
Verified

Networks, Infrastructure & Technology Use Interpretation

In 2023 Canada is basically living with near-universal internet access and rising fiber, 5G, and cloud usage, while traffic gets faster, more data gets analyzed, more businesses adopt AI and advanced cybersecurity tools, and yet cyber incidents still climb as IoT connections multiply and online life, shopping, and banking keep expanding.

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