Technology
Toronto is the largest, most dynamic and innovative hub of technology-focused businesses in Canada, making it the country’s centre for technology research and development.
The City’s Economic Development and Culture Division defines the technology sector as being comprised of companies working in a range of areas:
- Computer, Communications, and Audio/video Equipment Manufacturing
- Semiconductor & Other Electronic Component Manufacturing
- Navigational, Measuring, Medical and Control Instruments Manufacturing
- Computer and Communications Equipment Wholesaler-Distributors
- Software Publishers
- Telecommunications
- Internet Publishing, Broadcasting, Data Processing, Hosting and Related Services
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services
- Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance
Expand All
Collapse AllIn the Toronto CMA, the Tech Sector comprises:
- 14,700+ firms including Google, Facebook and Microsoft, and homegrown successes like Shopify in the Toronto census metropolitan area (CMA)
- More than 183,000 jobs
| Job Type | Number of Jobs |
|---|---|
| Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing | 3,350 |
| Communications Equipment Manufacturing | 4,790 |
| Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing | 1,630 |
| Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing: | 2,600 |
| Navigational, Measuring, Medical and Control Instruments Manufacturing | 6,400 |
| Computer and Communications Equipment and Supplies Wholesaler-Distributors | 18,580 |
| Software Publishers | 5,150 |
| Telecommunications | 34,320 |
| Internet Publishing, Broadcasting, Data Processing, Hosting and Related Services | 4,190 |
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services: | 99,780 |
| Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintainence | 4,780 |
- 63% of Ontario’s tech sector jobs are in the Toronto CMA
- Average hourly wage: $28
Toronto is one pole of a unique and robust technology cluster that extends to Waterloo, Ontario, and has a number of strengths:
- A leader in artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Growing sub-clusters around cybersecurity and wearables
- A deep and diverse talent pool supported by world-class academic institutions, and linked globally by culture and language
- A thriving start-up ecosystem supported with private and government funding streams and top-flight accelerators like MaRS
- Robust partnerships with world-class post-secondary institutions
- A vibrant tech scene that ranges from Bay St. bankers to grassroots maker hubs and bootcamps
From University of Toronto ICT sector profile (2016):
- The Greater Toronto Area (GTA, which is generally similar to the census metropolitan area) is home to 35% of Canada’s technology businesses; of the top 250 Canadian ICT companies listed on the 2016 Branham300, 36% are located in the Toronto metropolitan area.
- All of the top multinationals such as Alphabet (Google), Facebook, IBM, Cisco Systems Canada, Symantec, Microsoft Canada, and AutoDesk have established offices in the GTA.
- Toronto is also home to one of the world’s biggest clusters of mobileapplication companies in North America.
Cyber subcluster:
- TASK.to (Toronto Area Security Klatsch)
- Centennial program cyber-security
- Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) grows the revenues of its members by creating a collaborative edge – a chain of expanding value that ripples across Canada’s Innovators, Commercializers, Users, and Professionals. The largest high-tech association in Canada, CATAAlliance matches businesses with opportunities across almost every sector. CATAAlliance members are connected with investment and partnership opportunities with major global companies, and 80 per cent of these members are exporters. Through its “Innovation Nation” advocacy program, CEOs come together to catalyze the development of the Canadian business environment. CATA is the foundation for commercialization, market research, networking, events, access to other associations, and professional development.
- Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is a centre of expertise in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) research, policy development and workforce solutions. ICTC enables industries to maintain a competitive advantage in a global market and develop Canada’s future skilled and innovative talent. ICTC is an independent and neutral policy advisor to business and governments across Canada. It is a provider of authoritative and best-in-class ICT business intelligence.
- Information Technology Association of Canada is the voice of the Canadian Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry, which is comprised of about 33,300 companies, generates $155 billion in revenues, contributes $67.2 billion to the Canadian GDP, accounts for 3% of total employment (approximately 572,700 jobs) and is the largest performer of private sector R&D ($4.8 billion). ITAC is a prominent advocate for the expansion of Canada’s innovative capacity and for stronger productivity across all sectors through the strategic use of technology. As a not-for-profit, membership-driven organization, it relies on its members for 100 per cent of its funding.
