Natural Resources by Region
Canada’s resources depend on climate and geology. Because our country is the second-largest in the world, the physical geography changes drastically from one region to another. From the ancient rocks of the Canadian Shield to the fertile soil of the Interior Plains, these natural differences shape the major industries and materials that define our coast-to-coast economy. As we explore these resources, we must also consider environmental concerns like habitat loss to ensure our land stays healthy for generations to come.
Pacific Coast: Water & Woods
The Pacific region is famous for its huge rainforests and deep ocean waters. Two of the biggest industries here are fishing and lumber. For hundreds of years, people have caught wild salmon in the Pacific Ocean. Modern lumber companies also harvest tall trees like cedar and fir to create wood products used for building homes all around the world.
However, taking too much from nature can cause trouble. A major environmental concern in this region is overfishing. If too many salmon are caught at once, there aren't enough left to return to the rivers and lay eggs for the next generation. To protect the fish, the government and local groups now follow strict rules to make sure we don't catch more than the ocean can replace.
The Prairies: Farming & Fuel
The Prairie region is often called Canada's 'breadbasket' because of its vast, flat, and fertile land. Agriculture is the biggest industry here, with massive farms growing wheat, barley, and canola that get shipped all around the world. The deep, nutrient-rich soil is a result of ancient glacial lakes that once covered the area.
Deep beneath the golden grain fields lies another major resource: energy. The region is home to huge deposits of oil and natural gas. The oil and gas industry creates many jobs and provides the energy needed to heat homes and power vehicles across the country.
Environmental Concern: Because so much land has been turned into farms, habitat loss is a serious issue. Many native grassland animals, like the burrowing owl, are losing the wild spaces they need to survive.
BOREAL RESOURCES • BOREAL RESOURCES • BOREAL RESOURCES •
Timber Industry
The Boreal Forest is like a giant green blanket covering much of Canada. This region is famous for its massive timber industry. Spruce and pine trees are cut down to make lumber for houses and pulp for products like paper and cardboard. It's one of the most important sources of wood in the world.
Shield Mining
Underneath the thick forest lies the Canadian Shield, a giant area of ancient, hard rock. This rock is packed with minerals like gold, copper, and nickel. Large mines are built in the forest to dig up these metals, which are used to make things like electronics, jewelry, and building materials.
Habitat Loss
With so many industries in one place, animals like woodland caribou and grizzly bears can lose their homes. Habitat loss is a big environmental concern here. When too many trees are removed or roads are built through the forest, it becomes hard for wildlife to find food and safety.
Arctic North
Mining Diamonds & Oil
The Arctic region of Canada is a frozen frontier rich in hidden treasures. Beneath the snow and ice, major industries like diamond mining and oil drilling power the local economy. However, the physical geography is changing rapidly. A major environmental concern is the melting of permafrost—ground that is usually frozen year-round. As it thaws, the earth becomes unstable, making it difficult and dangerous to maintain the very roads, buildings, and pipelines that the mining and energy industries depend on.
ATLANTIC FRONTIER
GRAND BANKS FISHING
The Grand Banks used to be the world's richest fishing grounds. For centuries, fish like cod were the main resource here. Today, huge ships still catch fish and shellfish for global markets. However, decades of over-fishing caused stocks to drop, highlighting a major environmental concern for our oceans.
ENERGY EXTRACTION
Deep beneath the ocean floor lie huge pockets of oil and natural gas. Offshore platforms like Hibernia pump this energy to the surface, creating jobs and fuel. While vital for the economy, accidental oil spills remain a major environmental worry, as they can devastate marine life and coastal habitats.
COASTAL EROSION
The Atlantic region is famous for its rocky shores and high tides, which support a huge tourism industry. However, climate change and rising sea levels are causing the land to wear away. This coastal erosion is a serious concern, as it threatens historic lighthouses, homes, and unique local ecosystems.