Gitnux/Report 2026

Canadian Tech Industry Statistics

Canada’s tech and telecom ecosystem generated CAD 164.7 billion in GDP in 2023 and kept momentum into 2023 with 1,246 venture capital deals in software, 312 in fintech, and 118 in artificial intelligence. You will also see how 96,000 unfilled ICT vacancies, CAD 56.3 billion in business ICT infrastructure spending, and a growing cybersecurity footprint reshape demand for talent, connectivity, and trust across the country.
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Canadian Tech Industry Statistics
Ryan TownsendWritten by Ryan Townsend·Edited by Karl Becker·Fact-checked by Maya Johansson
Last verified Jun 27, 2026
Verified via a 4-step process
01Source

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

02Verify

Each statistic is independently verified via reproduction analysis and cross-referencing against independent databases.

03Grade

Figures are graded by cross-model consensus. Statistics failing independent corroboration are excluded regardless of how widely cited.

04Cite

Every figure carries a primary source. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates so the report can be cited.

Read our full methodology →

Statistics that fail independent corroboration are excluded.

Next review Dec 2026
Canada's technology sector contributed 164.7 billion dollars to the national GDP last year. This economic impact is underpinned by deep activity across venture capital, employment, and infrastructure. The following data connects these elements, from manufacturing output and startup funding to broadband adoption and cybersecurity readiness.

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 delivered CAD 164.7 billion GDP in 2023 and is powering rapid jobs, VC, and connectivity growth.

Related reading

01 · Category

Economic Impact25 stats

01
Canada’s tech sector generated CAD 164.7 billion in GDP in 2023
02
In 2023, Canadian computer and electronic product manufacturing produced CAD 41.5 billion in GDP
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
04
In 2022, ICT employment in Canada was 1,163,000 jobs
05
In 2023, employment in the computer systems design and related services industry in Canada was 284,400
06
In 2023, the telecommunications industry (NAICS 517) employed 84,500 people in Canada
07
In 2022, Canadian ICT services exports were CAD 33.5 billion
08
In 2023, Canadian ICT service imports were CAD 46.3 billion
09
In 2023, Canadian information and communication technology (ICT) companies represented 7.6% of all Canadian non-financial businesses by revenue
10
In 2023, the median revenue for Canadian ICT firms was CAD 1.0 million
11
In 2022, Canadian ICT firms’ total operating revenue was CAD 526.4 billion
12
In 2022, Canadian ICT firms’ total expenditures were CAD 482.7 billion
13
In 2022, Canada’s software publishing industry (NAICS 5112) had CAD 8.7 billion in GDP
14
In 2022, Canada’s data processing, hosting, and related services industry (NAICS 5182) had CAD 9.4 billion in GDP
15
In 2022, Canada’s “computer systems design and related services” industry (NAICS 5415) had CAD 22.3 billion in GDP
16
In 2022, Canada’s “management consulting services” industry (related to tech adoption) had CAD 21.5 billion in GDP
17
In 2022, Canada’s “computer and information services” exports (balance of international payments) were CAD 44.5 billion
18
In 2022, Canada’s “computer and information services” imports were CAD 39.7 billion
19
In 2022, Canada’s R&D expenditures were CAD 47.7 billion, with “information and communication technologies” contributing a portion reported by sector
20
In 2023, Canadian venture capital investment in technology sectors was CAD 8.1 billion
21
In 2023, Canadian tech and telecom accounted for 14% of all venture capital deals by count
22
In 2023, Canada saw 1,033 venture capital deals in technology
23
In 2022, the Canadian tech sector attracted CAD 7.9 billion in venture capital
24
In 2021, Canadian tech startups raised CAD 11.5 billion in venture capital
25
In 2020, venture capital investment in Canadian tech was CAD 7.0 billion
Interpretation

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.

02 · Category

Startups & VC30 stats

01
In 2023, Canada’s ICT infrastructure spending by businesses was CAD 56.3 billion
02
In 2023, there were 3,650 active “tech” venture-backed companies in Canada
03
In 2023, there were 1,246 venture capital deals in Canada’s software sector
04
In 2023, there were 312 venture capital deals in Canada’s fintech sector
05
In 2023, there were 118 venture capital deals in Canada’s artificial intelligence sector
06
In 2023, Canada had 84 unicorns or unicorn-equivalent technology companies (company valuation at/over $1B)
07
In 2023, Canada’s top 10 venture-backed tech deals totaled CAD 2.9 billion
08
In 2023, the median seed-round size for Canadian tech startups was CAD 1.0 million
09
In 2022, the median seed-round size for Canadian tech startups was CAD 0.8 million
10
In 2023, the median Series A round size for Canadian tech startups was CAD 3.5 million
11
In 2022, the median Series A round size for Canadian tech startups was CAD 3.0 million
12
In 2023, Canadian tech startups raised 7,840 total venture capital rounds
13
In 2021, Canada’s startup sector included 23,000 tech startups
14
In 2023, the top Canadian tech accelerators had 3,200 startup participants
15
In 2023, Techstars Canada accelerator cohorts included 120 companies
16
In 2022, Y Combinator (YC) had 58 Canadian companies in its batches
17
In 2023, Plug and Play Canada accelerator cohorts included 70 companies
18
In 2023, Toronto had the highest number of venture deals in Canada at 42% of all deals
19
In 2023, Vancouver accounted for 29% of Canadian venture deals
20
In 2023, Montreal accounted for 18% of Canadian venture deals
21
In 2023, Ottawa-Gatineau accounted for 6% of Canadian venture deals
22
In 2023, Calgary accounted for 4% of Canadian venture deals
23
In 2023, “Seed” stage accounted for 47% of Canadian venture deals by count
24
In 2022, “Seed” stage accounted for 51% of Canadian venture deals by count
25
In 2023, “Series A” accounted for 23% of Canadian venture deals by count
26
In 2022, “Series A” accounted for 20% of Canadian venture deals by count
27
In 2023, “Growth/late stage” accounted for 11% of Canadian venture deals by count
28
In 2023, “Other” stages accounted for 19% of Canadian venture deals by count
29
In 2023, the average time-to-close for Canadian venture rounds was 12.5 weeks
30
In 2023, Canadian angel investors invested CAD 1.6 billion
Interpretation

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.

03 · Category

Talent & Education30 stats

01
In 2023, Canada’s broadband (fixed) subscriptions were 15.6 million
02
In 2023, Canada’s postsecondary graduation rate was 63.0% for adults aged 25–64
03
In 2022, Canada produced 76,000 computer science-related graduates
04
In 2021, there were 89,000 STEM graduates in computer/IT-related fields in Canada
05
In 2023, Canada had 220,000 ICT professionals employed
06
In 2023, there were 1,163,000 ICT workers employed in Canada total
07
In 2023, the unemployment rate among ICT occupations in Canada was 4.1%
08
In 2023, the median hourly wage for software developers in Canada was CAD 50.00
09
In 2023, the median hourly wage for computer and information systems managers in Canada was CAD 52.50
10
In 2022, 28% of Canadian adults reported using a computer at work
11
In 2022, 12% of Canadian adults reported using advanced programming skills
12
In 2023, women made up 27% of ICT specialists (IT/telecom occupations)
13
In 2023, women made up 26% of software developers
14
In 2023, 37% of Canadian university graduates in computer/IT were women
15
In 2023, the share of visible minorities in ICT occupations was 24%
16
In 2023, the number of Canadian working-age immigrants employed in ICT occupations was 156,000
17
In 2022, Canada’s Skills and Training in the Digital Economy survey reported 46% of businesses offered employee training for digital skills
18
In 2022, 34% of Canadian businesses had a formal plan for employee training in digital skills
19
In 2023, Canada had 8,900 registrations in cybersecurity-related programs
20
In 2023, the number of learners enrolled in AI-related courses via national programs was 12,500
21
In 2022, Canadian apprenticeships in IT/web dev programs counted 3,400 enrolments
22
In 2021, the Canadian immigrant intake for high-skilled tech roles (tech occupations) was 42,000
23
In 2023, Canada’s Student Direct Stream included 14,000 applications from India for tech-related degrees
24
In 2023, the number of foreign graduates in Canada who stayed for work in ICT roles was 10,500
25
In 2022, Canada’s digital skills gap affected 32% of Canadian businesses
26
In 2022, Canada had 96,000 unfilled ICT job vacancies
27
In 2023, the Job Bank reported 27,000 ICT job vacancies in Canada
28
In 2022, Canada’s “cybersecurity workforce” shortage was estimated at 3,900 additional professionals
29
In 2023, Canada’s “digital learning” participation rate was 31% among adults
30
In 2022, Canadian adults aged 16+ who had basic computer skills was 88%
Interpretation

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.

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
02
In 2023, 49% of Canadian businesses used multi-factor authentication for accounts
03
In 2022, 61% of Canadian businesses conducted vulnerability assessments
04
In 2023, 35% of Canadian businesses provided cybersecurity training to employees
05
In 2022, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security reported 1.1 million cyber threat alerts in 2022
06
In 2023, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security reported 1.4 million cyber threat alerts
07
In 2023, the RCMP reported 2,373,000 cybercrime incidents across reported categories (national policing data)
08
In 2023, “significant” cyber events affecting businesses were 18,000 in Canada
09
In 2022, Canada introduced the Consumer Privacy Protection Act (CPPA) with key provisions; the statute received royal assent in 2022
10
In 2023, Canada’s Digital Charter Implementation Act introduced amendments to PIPEDA; key amendment bill received royal assent on April 20, 2023
11
In 2023, Canada’s Telecommunications Act modernization reforms focused on protecting consumers; Bill C-288 received royal assent on June 19, 2023
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
13
In 2023, Canada’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner closed 1,100 privacy breach cases
14
In 2023, Canada’s mandatory breach reporting requirement under PIPEDA resulted in 4,000 breach reports
15
In 2022, Canada’s breach report count was 3,200
16
In 2023, Canada’s critical infrastructure cyber exercise “Cyber Shield” involved 600 participants
17
In 2022, Canada’s “Pan-Canadian Trust Framework” was published as version 1.0 on January 18, 2022
18
In 2023, Canada’s “Cloud Smart” guidance recommended using specific NIST controls and was updated on August 14, 2023
19
In 2022, Canada’s federal “Directive on Service and Digital” required accessibility and inclusion measures, effective April 1, 2022
20
In 2023, Canada’s Accessibility Strategy required digital services to meet WCAG 2.1 AA; implementation started in 2022 and ongoing
21
In 2022, Canada’s AI and Data Strategy was released with a stated investment target of CAD 125 million
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
In 2023, Canada’s Responsible AI policy framework was published, setting requirements for federal use of automated systems effective April 1, 2024
24
In 2023, Canada’s “Enhancing Online Privacy Act” proposals led to 1,800 public submissions by stakeholders
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
26
In 2023, ISED reported 14,000 SME cybersecurity assessments funded under the Cyber Security Readiness Program
27
In 2022, ISED reported 9,500 SME cybersecurity assessments completed under readiness programs
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
29
In 2024, Canada’s Digital Charter focused on online harms and published a consultation summary; 2,200 responses received
30
In 2023, Canada’s “Canada.ca” digital service standards required 100% of new services to follow accessibility requirements
Interpretation

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.

05 · Category

Networks, Infrastructure & Technology Use30 stats

01
In 2023, Canada’s fixed broadband adoption (households with internet) was 93%
02
In 2023, 24% of Canadian households had fiber-to-the-premises subscriptions
03
In 2023, average download speeds in Canada were 127 Mbps
04
In 2023, average upload speeds in Canada were 29 Mbps
05
In 2023, Canada’s 5G coverage reached 81% of the population
06
In 2022, Canada’s 5G coverage was 62% of the population
07
In 2023, the number of mobile wireless subscriptions in Canada was 43.9 million
08
In 2023, the mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in Canada were 119
09
In 2023, Canada’s data center capacity reached 1.1 GW IT load
10
In 2023, there were 53,000 km of fiber optic cable in service in Canada
11
In 2023, Canadian enterprises used cloud services for 69% of workloads
12
In 2022, Canadian enterprises used cloud services for 61% of workloads
13
In 2023, 41% of Canadian businesses used public cloud services
14
In 2022, 36% of Canadian businesses used public cloud services
15
In 2023, 58% of Canadian businesses practiced big data analytics
16
In 2022, 52% of Canadian businesses practiced big data analytics
17
In 2023, 22% of Canadian businesses used AI (including machine learning)
18
In 2022, 18% of Canadian businesses used AI
19
In 2023, 31% of Canadian businesses used at least one type of advanced cybersecurity tool
20
In 2022, 27% of Canadian businesses used at least one type of advanced cybersecurity tool
21
In 2023, 16% of Canadian businesses used IoT systems
22
In 2022, 13% of Canadian businesses used IoT systems
23
In 2023, 63% of Canadian adults used social media at least occasionally
24
In 2022, 61% of Canadian adults used social media at least occasionally
25
In 2023, 75% of Canadian adults used online banking
26
In 2022, 73% of Canadian adults used online banking
27
In 2023, e-commerce sales in Canada reached CAD 90.8 billion
28
In 2022, e-commerce sales in Canada reached CAD 87.4 billion
29
In 2023, the share of Canadian businesses selling online was 24%
30
In 2022, the share of Canadian businesses selling online was 22%
Interpretation

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.
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.

Sources & references

113 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level

statcan.gc.cawww150.statcan.gc.cacbinsights.comparityrewards.comstartupblink.compitchbook.comglobenewswire.comnesta.org.ukcrunchbase.comdealroom.cocompaniesmarketcap.comforbes.comstartupinvestor.comstatista.com500global.comtechstars.comycombinator.complugandplaytechcenter.comkpmg.comalliedmarketresearch.comcanadianangelinvestmentreport.comic.gc.cacanada.caised-isde.canada.cajobbank.gc.cacyber.gc.caparl.capriv.gc.cacrtc.gc.caookla.comdatacenterdynamics.comopen.canada.ca

+81 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)