Canada’s semiconductor industry is critical to our future prosperity and growth. Semiconductors power nearly every sector of the economy, from AI and quantum computing to electric vehicles, defence systems, and clean technologies. As global demand accelerates, secure and resilient semiconductor supply chains are essential to sustaining innovation and national competitiveness.
Despite world-class expertise in research, design, and photonics, Canada remains the only G7 country without a national semiconductor strategy. ICTC’s new report highlights the sector’s economic contributions, existing strengths, and the urgent need for a coordinated framework to align investment, strengthen R&D and fabrication capacity, and support innovation, talent development, and long-term competitiveness.
Key findings:
- Canada’s semiconductor industry contributed approximately $4.6 billion to GDP in 2021, supporting more than 17,000 jobs across the country.
- Semiconductors drive innovation and economic growth, enabling AI, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing across Canada’s digital economy.
- Canada’s semiconductor workforce is highly skilled but facing shortages, particularly in analog engineering, firmware development, and nanofabrication roles, and could face up to 20% of workers retiring within the next 5–10 years.
- SMEs face growing competition with global firms for skilled engineers, while rising wages are eroding Canada’s traditional cost advantage.
- The absence of a national semiconductor strategy has led to fragmented initiatives; where a coordinated national approach to education, R&D, and talent development will be key to sustaining growth and securing Canada’s role in global supply chains.
Report
Mapping Canada's Semiconductor Industry: Insights on Talent, Workforce Development, and Technological Strengths
To cite this report:
Erik Henningsmoen, Sheldon Lopez, and Mairead Matthews. Mapping Canada's Semiconductor Industry: Insights on Talent, Workforce Development, and Technological Strengths. Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), November 2025. Ottawa, Canada.
Author order is alphabetized.
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program.
