The results of the 1997 Natural Resources Canada survey are outlined below. At a time when so much attention is focused on the emergence of knowledge-based industries, the Canadian public continues to identify the resource sector as contributing most to the economy, both nationally and in most cases, provincially. Over the four-year period, the perceived economic contribution of resource industries remained stable or increased, and there was a general expectation that the sector would grow in importance over the next decade. Opinions about the future importance of particular industries are generally stronger in regions where those industries are most prominent, with the notable exception of forestry. Despite this view, the public perceives forestry as one of the industries most successful in selling its products abroad.
Recreational opportunities rank last in importance.
The public continues to see resource industries as damaging the environment, and they remain divided about whether such damage can be justified when weighed against the economic benefits the sector provides. Overall, the perceptions of forest industry impacts have remained constant, although such issues as clearcutting are no longer as contentious nationally as they were several years ago. Universities and corporations are now identified as the leading contributors to innovation, with government and small businesses playing a supporting role. The public has become noticeably more positive in comparing Canada to other industrialized nations in terms of science and technology innovation. One-quarter place their country among the leading nations, and most of the remainder believe it is close behind.