Ontario's share of total Canadian exports has been increasing in the 1990s. Exports are forecast to rise by 7.9 per cent in 2000 and by 5.3 per cent in 2001. Access to Large Consumer and Industrial Markets Work Force Excellence Ontario accounts for over half of Canada's industrial market and lies at the centre of North America's consumer and industrial markets, and has access to a market of over 400 million people. Ontario's wage rates are competitive with neighbouring jurisdictions. Ontario has a strong education system comprised of 17 universities, and 25 colleges of applied arts and technology.
Electricity is reliable and abundant, and is cheaper than in most North American jurisdictions.
Major new infrastructure projects recently completed, include a new superhighway north of Toronto and the widening of other highways. Extension of Toronto's rapid transit and subway system and new telecommunications network infrastructures are underway. Major Site for Corporate Headquarters Support for Research and Development With a population of about 4.7 million in 1998, the Greater Toronto Area is now the sixth largest urban area in North America. Ontario supports four Centres of Excellence that bring together industrial and academic researchers to develop technical applications in various fields. Quality of Life Low Health Care Cost Ambitious and prosperous, safe and secure, friendly and clean, Ontario is a preferred location for those who value quality of life.