Ontario or Alberta? Indian organizations in Canada are making it easier to set up business in both provinces
Businesses from India that are looking to set up or expand Canadian operations could soon be spoilt for choice between Alberta and Ontario, thanks to the efforts of Indian organizations in Canada.
Actively stepping up business ties
Trade, energy, minerals, education, and people-to-people connections were among the topics discussed when the Consulate General of India in Toronto, represented by Acting Consul General Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh, met with Director of International Relations and Chief of Protocol Veronica Panton of the Government of Ontario.
Meanwhile, during his visit to Toronto, Joseph Schow, Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, met with the board of directors of the Canada-India Business Council to discuss stronger trade and investment opportunities between Canada and India.
“We are committed to building and strengthening trade relationships around the world to further grow Alberta’s economy,” said minister Schow. “I recently had the opportunity to meet with the Canada-India Business Council to hear their insights, showcase what Alberta has to offer, and explore how we can work together as partners.”
Strong Indian diaspora in both provinces
Together, Ontario and Alberta have a combined Indian-origin community of more than 1.25 million. More than a million persons of Indian origin call the province home, and the Greater Toronto Area is home to 1.18 million people of South Asian origin.
The Ontario Indian diaspora plays a vibrant role across sectors—from entrepreneurship to education and healthcare—while enriching the province’s cultural fabric through community events, temples, markets, and festivals.
In Alberta, Indians account for more than 200,000 people – with cities such as Edmonton and Calgary each home to roughly 100,000 persons of Indian origin. Both cities have become hubs for Indian-run businesses, academic contributions, and cultural activity.
Economic expansion on the front foot
Canada and India continue to expand their economic engagement. In 2023, total bilateral trade stood at some $12.7 billion, while services added another $17.3 billion. India is ranked as Canada’s ninth-largest export market, with goods exports reaching $5.1 billion—a noticeable increase from CAD 4.4 billion in 2018.
Canada’s main exports to India include agricultural staples, energy and raw materials, newsprint and publishing materials, and diamonds, while its main imports from India are pharmaceuticals; machinery and electronics; jewellery and clothing; seafood; and telephones and audio parts.