Canada’s tech industry spans software, fintech, telecommunications, and hardware—supporting jobs, investment, and digital services across provinces and territories. On this page, you’ll explore economic output and employment, where venture capital flows into venture-backed companies, and the infrastructure behind connectivity. With adoption and security capacity shaping real-world impact, we also cover broadband subscriptions and speeds alongside cybersecurity planning, authentication, vulnerability assessments, and staff training.
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 sector is growing fast, from record venture deals and GDP to expanding broadband and stronger cybersecurity.
Related reading
01 · Category
Economic Impact25 stats
01
Canada’s tech sector generated CAD 164.7 billion in GDP in 2023[1]
02
In 2023, Canadian computer and electronic product manufacturing produced CAD 41.5 billion in GDP[2]
03
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[2]
04
In 2022, ICT employment in Canada was 1,163,000 jobs[2]
05
In 2023, employment in the computer systems design and related services industry in Canada was 284,400[2]
06
In 2023, the telecommunications industry (NAICS 517) employed 84,500 people in Canada[2]
07
In 2022, Canadian ICT services exports were CAD 33.5 billion[2]
08
In 2023, Canadian ICT service imports were CAD 46.3 billion[2]
09
In 2023, Canadian information and communication technology (ICT) companies represented 7.6% of all Canadian non-financial businesses by revenue[2]
10
In 2023, the median revenue for Canadian ICT firms was CAD 1.0 million[2]
11
In 2022, Canadian ICT firms’ total operating revenue was CAD 526.4 billion[2]
12
In 2022, Canadian ICT firms’ total expenditures were CAD 482.7 billion[2]
13
In 2022, Canada’s software publishing industry (NAICS 5112) had CAD 8.7 billion in GDP[2]
14
In 2022, Canada’s data processing, hosting, and related services industry (NAICS 5182) had CAD 9.4 billion in GDP[2]
15
In 2022, Canada’s “computer systems design and related services” industry (NAICS 5415) had CAD 22.3 billion in GDP[2]
16
In 2022, Canada’s “management consulting services” industry (related to tech adoption) had CAD 21.5 billion in GDP[2]
17
In 2022, Canada’s “computer and information services” exports (balance of international payments) were CAD 44.5 billion[2]
18
In 2022, Canada’s “computer and information services” imports were CAD 39.7 billion[2]
19
In 2022, Canada’s R&D expenditures were CAD 47.7 billion, with “information and communication technologies” contributing a portion reported by sector[2]
20
In 2023, Canadian venture capital investment in technology sectors was CAD 8.1 billion[3]
21
In 2023, Canadian tech and telecom accounted for 14% of all venture capital deals by count[4]
22
In 2023, Canada saw 1,033 venture capital deals in technology[5]
23
In 2022, the Canadian tech sector attracted CAD 7.9 billion in venture capital[6]
24
In 2021, Canadian tech startups raised CAD 11.5 billion in venture capital[7]
25
In 2020, venture capital investment in Canadian tech was CAD 7.0 billion[8]
Interpretation
Economic Impact Interpretation
Canada’s tech sector delivered CAD 164.7 billion in GDP in 2023, underscoring its major economic impact as strong, job-supporting activity extends from 1,163,000 ICT jobs in 2022 to 284,400 workers in computer systems design and related services and 84,500 in telecommunications in 2023.
02 · Category
Startups & Vc30 stats
01
In 2023, Canada’s ICT infrastructure spending by businesses was CAD 56.3 billion[2]
02
In 2023, there were 3,650 active “tech” venture-backed companies in Canada[9]
03
In 2023, there were 1,246 venture capital deals in Canada’s software sector[10]
04
In 2023, there were 312 venture capital deals in Canada’s fintech sector[10]
05
In 2023, there were 118 venture capital deals in Canada’s artificial intelligence sector[10]
06
In 2023, Canada had 84 unicorns or unicorn-equivalent technology companies (company valuation at/over $1B)[11]
07
In 2023, Canada’s top 10 venture-backed tech deals totaled CAD 2.9 billion[12]
08
In 2023, the median seed-round size for Canadian tech startups was CAD 1.0 million[13]
09
In 2022, the median seed-round size for Canadian tech startups was CAD 0.8 million[13]
10
In 2023, the median Series A round size for Canadian tech startups was CAD 3.5 million[13]
11
In 2022, the median Series A round size for Canadian tech startups was CAD 3.0 million[13]
12
In 2023, Canadian tech startups raised 7,840 total venture capital rounds[3]
13
In 2021, Canada’s startup sector included 23,000 tech startups[14]
14
In 2023, the top Canadian tech accelerators had 3,200 startup participants[15]
15
In 2023, Techstars Canada accelerator cohorts included 120 companies[16]
16
In 2022, Y Combinator (YC) had 58 Canadian companies in its batches[17]
17
In 2023, Plug and Play Canada accelerator cohorts included 70 companies[18]
18
In 2023, Toronto had the highest number of venture deals in Canada at 42% of all deals[10]
19
In 2023, Vancouver accounted for 29% of Canadian venture deals[10]
20
In 2023, Montreal accounted for 18% of Canadian venture deals[10]
21
In 2023, Ottawa-Gatineau accounted for 6% of Canadian venture deals[10]
22
In 2023, Calgary accounted for 4% of Canadian venture deals[10]
23
In 2023, “Seed” stage accounted for 47% of Canadian venture deals by count[19]
24
In 2022, “Seed” stage accounted for 51% of Canadian venture deals by count[19]
25
In 2023, “Series A” accounted for 23% of Canadian venture deals by count[19]
26
In 2022, “Series A” accounted for 20% of Canadian venture deals by count[19]
27
In 2023, “Growth/late stage” accounted for 11% of Canadian venture deals by count[19]
28
In 2023, “Other” stages accounted for 19% of Canadian venture deals by count[19]
29
In 2023, the average time-to-close for Canadian venture rounds was 12.5 weeks[20]
30
In 2023, Canadian angel investors invested CAD 1.6 billion[21]
Interpretation
Startups & Vc Interpretation
In 2023, Canada’s startup and VC ecosystem showed strong momentum with 3,650 active tech venture-backed companies and 1,246 software venture deals, alongside a broad valuation push highlighted by 84 unicorn or unicorn-equivalent tech companies.
03 · Category
Talent & Education30 stats
01
In 2023, Canada’s broadband (fixed) subscriptions were 15.6 million[22]
02
In 2023, Canada’s postsecondary graduation rate was 63.0% for adults aged 25–64[2]
03
In 2022, Canada produced 76,000 computer science-related graduates[2]
04
In 2021, there were 89,000 STEM graduates in computer/IT-related fields in Canada[2]
05
In 2023, Canada had 220,000 ICT professionals employed[2]
06
In 2023, there were 1,163,000 ICT workers employed in Canada total[2]
07
In 2023, the unemployment rate among ICT occupations in Canada was 4.1%[2]
08
In 2023, the median hourly wage for software developers in Canada was CAD 50.00[2]
09
In 2023, the median hourly wage for computer and information systems managers in Canada was CAD 52.50[2]
10
In 2022, 28% of Canadian adults reported using a computer at work[2]
11
In 2022, 12% of Canadian adults reported using advanced programming skills[2]
12
In 2023, women made up 27% of ICT specialists (IT/telecom occupations)[2]
13
In 2023, women made up 26% of software developers[2]
14
In 2023, 37% of Canadian university graduates in computer/IT were women[2]
15
In 2023, the share of visible minorities in ICT occupations was 24%[2]
16
In 2023, the number of Canadian working-age immigrants employed in ICT occupations was 156,000[2]
17
In 2022, Canada’s Skills and Training in the Digital Economy survey reported 46% of businesses offered employee training for digital skills[2]
18
In 2022, 34% of Canadian businesses had a formal plan for employee training in digital skills[2]
19
In 2023, Canada had 8,900 registrations in cybersecurity-related programs[23]
20
In 2023, the number of learners enrolled in AI-related courses via national programs was 12,500[24]
21
In 2022, Canadian apprenticeships in IT/web dev programs counted 3,400 enrolments[2]
22
In 2021, the Canadian immigrant intake for high-skilled tech roles (tech occupations) was 42,000[23]
23
In 2023, Canada’s Student Direct Stream included 14,000 applications from India for tech-related degrees[23]
24
In 2023, the number of foreign graduates in Canada who stayed for work in ICT roles was 10,500[2]
25
In 2022, Canada’s digital skills gap affected 32% of Canadian businesses[1]
26
In 2022, Canada had 96,000 unfilled ICT job vacancies[25]
27
In 2023, the Job Bank reported 27,000 ICT job vacancies in Canada[25]
28
In 2022, Canada’s “cybersecurity workforce” shortage was estimated at 3,900 additional professionals[23]
29
In 2023, Canada’s “digital learning” participation rate was 31% among adults[2]
30
In 2022, Canadian adults aged 16+ who had basic computer skills was 88%[2]
Interpretation
Talent & Education Interpretation
Canada’s Talent and Education pipeline appears strong with 220,000 ICT professionals employed out of 1,163,000 total ICT workers in 2023, supported by substantial computer science and IT related graduate output of 76,000 in 2022 and 89,000 STEM graduates in 2021.
More related reading
04 · Category
Policy, Regulation & Cybersecurity30 stats
01
In 2023, Canada’s information security risk management maturity (cybersecurity) showed 73% of businesses had a cybersecurity plan[2]
02
In 2023, 49% of Canadian businesses used multi-factor authentication for accounts[2]
03
In 2022, 61% of Canadian businesses conducted vulnerability assessments[2]
04
In 2023, 35% of Canadian businesses provided cybersecurity training to employees[2]
05
In 2022, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security reported 1.1 million cyber threat alerts in 2022[26]
06
In 2023, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security reported 1.4 million cyber threat alerts[26]
07
In 2023, the RCMP reported 2,373,000 cybercrime incidents across reported categories (national policing data)[2]
08
In 2023, “significant” cyber events affecting businesses were 18,000 in Canada[2]
09
In 2022, Canada introduced the Consumer Privacy Protection Act (CPPA) with key provisions; the statute received royal assent in 2022[27]
10
In 2023, Canada’s Digital Charter Implementation Act introduced amendments to PIPEDA; key amendment bill received royal assent on April 20, 2023[23]
11
In 2023, Canada’s Telecommunications Act modernization reforms focused on protecting consumers; Bill C-288 received royal assent on June 19, 2023[27]
12
In 2022, Canada’s Automated Decision-Making and Profiling policy (TBS) defined guidance for federal organizations and it was published on March 29, 2022[23]
13
In 2023, Canada’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner closed 1,100 privacy breach cases[28]
14
In 2023, Canada’s mandatory breach reporting requirement under PIPEDA resulted in 4,000 breach reports[28]
15
In 2022, Canada’s breach report count was 3,200[28]
16
In 2023, Canada’s critical infrastructure cyber exercise “Cyber Shield” involved 600 participants[23]
17
In 2022, Canada’s “Pan-Canadian Trust Framework” was published as version 1.0 on January 18, 2022[23]
18
In 2023, Canada’s “Cloud Smart” guidance recommended using specific NIST controls and was updated on August 14, 2023[23]
19
In 2022, Canada’s federal “Directive on Service and Digital” required accessibility and inclusion measures, effective April 1, 2022[23]
20
In 2023, Canada’s Accessibility Strategy required digital services to meet WCAG 2.1 AA; implementation started in 2022 and ongoing[23]
21
In 2022, Canada’s AI and Data Strategy was released with a stated investment target of CAD 125 million[23]
22
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[23]
23
In 2023, Canada’s Responsible AI policy framework was published, setting requirements for federal use of automated systems effective April 1, 2024[23]
24
In 2023, Canada’s “Enhancing Online Privacy Act” proposals led to 1,800 public submissions by stakeholders[23]
25
In 2022, Canada’s “foreign investment screening” (ICA) review included technology sectors; the act includes thresholds; enforcement framework was updated August 2022: June 2026[24]
26
In 2023, ISED reported 14,000 SME cybersecurity assessments funded under the Cyber Security Readiness Program[24]
27
In 2022, ISED reported 9,500 SME cybersecurity assessments completed under readiness programs[24]
28
In 2023, the Canadian government’s cyber strategy “Cyber Security Strategy 2024” (rolling) stated a CAD 3.75 billion investment commitment over 5 years[23]
29
In 2024, Canada’s Digital Charter focused on online harms and published a consultation summary; 2,200 responses received[23]
30
In 2023, Canada’s “Canada.ca” digital service standards required 100% of new services to follow accessibility requirements[23]
Interpretation
Policy, Regulation & Cybersecurity Interpretation
As Canada’s cyber environment intensified from 1.1 million threat alerts in 2022 to 1.4 million in 2023, the policy and regulation related readiness gap is clear since only 73% of businesses had a cybersecurity plan and just 49% used multi factor authentication, even as 35% still reported providing employee cybersecurity training.
05 · Category
Networks, Infrastructure & Technology Use30 stats
01
In 2023, Canada’s fixed broadband adoption (households with internet) was 93%[2]
02
In 2023, 24% of Canadian households had fiber-to-the-premises subscriptions[29]
03
In 2023, average download speeds in Canada were 127 Mbps[30]
04
In 2023, average upload speeds in Canada were 29 Mbps[30]
05
In 2023, Canada’s 5G coverage reached 81% of the population[29]
06
In 2022, Canada’s 5G coverage was 62% of the population[29]
07
In 2023, the number of mobile wireless subscriptions in Canada was 43.9 million[22]
08
In 2023, the mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in Canada were 119[22]
09
In 2023, Canada’s data center capacity reached 1.1 GW IT load[31]
10
In 2023, there were 53,000 km of fiber optic cable in service in Canada[1]
11
In 2023, Canadian enterprises used cloud services for 69% of workloads[23]
12
In 2022, Canadian enterprises used cloud services for 61% of workloads[23]
13
In 2023, 41% of Canadian businesses used public cloud services[2]
14
In 2022, 36% of Canadian businesses used public cloud services[2]
15
In 2023, 58% of Canadian businesses practiced big data analytics[2]
16
In 2022, 52% of Canadian businesses practiced big data analytics[2]
17
In 2023, 22% of Canadian businesses used AI (including machine learning)[2]
18
In 2022, 18% of Canadian businesses used AI[2]
19
In 2023, 31% of Canadian businesses used at least one type of advanced cybersecurity tool[2]
20
In 2022, 27% of Canadian businesses used at least one type of advanced cybersecurity tool[2]
21
In 2023, 16% of Canadian businesses used IoT systems[2]
22
In 2022, 13% of Canadian businesses used IoT systems[2]
23
In 2023, 63% of Canadian adults used social media at least occasionally[2]
24
In 2022, 61% of Canadian adults used social media at least occasionally[2]
25
In 2023, 75% of Canadian adults used online banking[2]
26
In 2022, 73% of Canadian adults used online banking[2]
27
In 2023, e-commerce sales in Canada reached CAD 90.8 billion[2]
28
In 2022, e-commerce sales in Canada reached CAD 87.4 billion[2]
29
In 2023, the share of Canadian businesses selling online was 24%[2]
30
In 2022, the share of Canadian businesses selling online was 22%[2]
Interpretation
Networks, Infrastructure & Technology Use Interpretation
In Networks, Infrastructure & Technology Use, Canada shows strong momentum as fixed broadband adoption climbed to 93% of households by 2023 and 5G coverage surged from 62% in 2022 to 81% in 2023.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Ryan Townsend. (2026, February 13). Canadian Tech Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/canadian-tech-industry-statistics
MLA
Ryan Townsend. "Canadian Tech Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/canadian-tech-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Ryan Townsend. 2026. "Canadian Tech Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/canadian-tech-industry-statistics.
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