Ottawa’s Economy

Ottawa’s gross domestic product (GDP) is more than $40 billion. Its economy centres around two major sectors: government and high tech. In 2004, the median family income in Ottawa-Gatineau was $73,500—the highest among Canada's six largest cities.

Ottawa GDP by sector

Industry sector	% of total GDP
High tech	18.9%
Federal government	18.2%
Tourism	2.1%
Health and education	7.5%
Finance, insurance, real estate	10.4%
Trade	9.4%
Construction	4.0%
Primary (mainly rural output)	0.9%
Others	28.6%
Total	100.0%

Source: Conference Board of Canada, Metropolitan Outlook

As a global technology centre, more than 1800 companies are involved in key sectors such as telecommunications, software, photonics, semiconductors, defense and security, life sciences, tourism, wireless technologies, film and video, multimedia, professional services and contact centres. The region also benefits from the entry of new sectors such as biophotonics, environmental technologies, electronic pay systems, and micro electromechanical systems (MEMS).

Ottawa’s stable economy has led to a quality of life that is rated among the top twenty cities in the world.

More information on the economy and doing business in Ottawa is available at the following links: