The Economy

The early provincial economy was based on agriculture, with manufacturing and transportation later becoming vital sectors. Manitoba now has a very diversified economy, but the services sector is the most important. The central location of the province makes Manitoba an attractive base for a wide variety of services, notably in transportation and wholesale distribution.

Manufacturing is the largest goods-producing economic sector. Food and transportation equipment have long been the leading manufacturing industries. Other important industries are primary and fabricated metals, electrical goods, clothing and textiles, and printing and publishing.

Agriculture is the backbone of rural Manitoba, as well as supporting thousands of jobs in towns and cities. The strong balance in the Manitoba

economy is reflected in agriculture, where both crops and livestock are important sectors. Wheat is the most important crop, accounting for 40 percent of crop production value, followed by canola and flaxseed. The province is the leading Canadian producer of flaxseed, sunflower seeds, buckwheat and field peas.

Mining is another major Manitoba industry, with metals normally accounting for more than three-quarters of the value of production. The most important metals are nickel (of which the province is a world leader in production), copper and zinc. Manitoba also produces petroleum and a number of industrial minerals.

Camping grounds, parks, lakes and rivers as well as historic sites are the principal attractions for Manitoba's visitors. Tourism also relies on dozens of community festivals, a number of which have international reputations.