Innovation

Today's textile industry has transformed itself into one of the country's most innovative and technology-driven sectors, making investments of $3.8 billion in new plants, equipment and process research and development between 1994-2002.

Products

More than 150 industries use textile fibres, yarns, and fabrics to manufacture an almost endless array of products for markets such as apparel, household furnishings and transportation. Textiles are also used in leading-edge products such as flame retardant suits worn by firefighters, roofing material on domed sports facilities and automotive airbags.

Employment

The Canadian textile industry provides direct employment for 48,300 people, primarily in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada. The industry accounts for 2.5% of total manufacturing industry employment, paying $1.6 billion in wages and salaries in 2001. Also in 2001, and reflecting the increasingly capital intensity of production, the industry generated $89,407 value added per production employee. Textile manufacturers are located predominately in non-metropolitain communities and are a major contributor to the local economies.

Economic Impact

In 2002, based on revised Statistics Canada industry groupings, Canada's textile industry shipped $6.6 billion worth of fibres, yarns, fabrics and textile articles.

Competitive Situation

Because textile equipment is widely available around the world, human resources are considered a key competitive advantage in the Canadian textile industry. The Textiles Human Resources Council develops innovative, award-winning programs to overcome the challenges of geographic dispersion, 24-hour production schedules and access constraints.