Economic Impact of Canola

Growing opportunity for all Canadians

Canola’s contribution to the Canadian economy has increased by $7.2 billion, or 35 per cent, in the last 10 years, according to the latest independent analysis commissioned by the Canola Council of Canada and conducted by LMC International. This study shows Canadian-grown canola contributed $29.9 billion to the Canadian economy each year, including more than 207,000 Canadian jobs and $12 billion in wages.

For more information, read the executive summary below or view the full report.

Learn more about canola’s substantial contributions to Canada’s economic sustainability, including the continued commitment to innovation that will help ensure economic productivity for years to come.

Executive Summary

For the average of the three years, 2016/17-2018/19:

  • The total economic impact on the Canadian economy from the canola sector averaged C$29.9 billion per year.
  • 207,000 full time equivalent jobs are supported by the canola sector, comprising 144,000 paid jobs and an additional 63,000 family members (beyond the growers themselves) who support and are supported by canola farming operations.
  • The total wage impact of the sector averaged C$12.0 billion.

The economic benefits from canola are higher when prices and volumes produced are higher. The impact peaked with both high prices and volumes in 2016/17. Since then, prices and volumes have eased only slightly, and canola’s economic impact remains at substantial, historically high levels.

In the years since 2010/11:

  • The total economic impact of the canola value chain has increased by C$7.2 billion or 35 per cent.
  • The total employment impact of the sector has increased by 7 per cent.
  • The total wage impact of the sector has increased 80 per cent with more jobs and higher wages.

Economic impact facts

Wage impact increased by 80% in 10 years

Continued growth in processing

Nation-wide impact