Software
Canada is an Ideal Nearshore Destination for High Value Added Software Development Activities
“The economic climate in this country makes Canada a great place to do business. Microsoft is committed to investing in Canada and we hope that other Canadian and multinational companies recognize the opportunities here as well. Microsoft is a global company, and our greatest asset is smart, talented, highly skilled people. Our goal as a company is to attract the next generation of leading software developers from all parts of the world, and Canada is a beacon for some of that talent.”
Phil Sorgen, Former President, Microsoft Canada
Canada’s wealth of talent has generated world-class business software in a variety of industries and vertical markets— The software industry is a cornerstone of Canada’s ICT sector. In 2011, Canada’s ICT sector employs an estimated 545,000 people, and half of these jobs are in software development. Global companies produce world-leading software in Canada in various fields including business intelligence (IBM-Cognos and Business Objects-SAP), enterprise content management (Open Text Corporation), and supply chain management (Descartes and TECSYS).
Canadian e-health companies are at the forefront of creating health care provider systems— Canadian e-health companies are producing advanced health care provider systems that improve patient care and safety while helping to manage costs. Their expertise includes developing applications for electronic health records and creating state-of-the-art drug information technology linking physicians and pharmacists. Canada is committing $10 to 12 billion in capital investment over the next 10 years as part of the country’s plan to advance its health “infostructure.”
Leading companies choose to be part of Canada’s e-security sector— The Canadian e-security sector has many key technology strengths including cryptography and encryption, mobile authentication, cyber security, biometrics, surveillance, tracking and sensors. Leading multinationals that develop innovative solutions for data protection have chosen to locate their security operations in Canada including CA Technologies, McAfee, Symantec, Cisco Systems and EMC Corporation. Canadian e-security firms include Radialpoint and Certicom.
Recent Foreign Investments - Software

Investment News
Investment Promotion Agencies
Provincial IPAs:
- Alberta Economic Development
- Invest British Columbia
- Invest in Manitoba
- Business New Brunswick
- Investing in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia Business Inc.
- Invest in Ontario
- Innovation PEI
- Invest Quebec
- Enterprise Saskatchewan
Also see Municipal IPAs
