As a major trade-dependent nation, Canada has pursued a policy of economic engagement with China, especially since the latter's dramatic growth over the last several decades. While a number of media articles point to Canada's growing economic interest in China, there is at present little information on the nature of the economic relationship between the two countries. The lack of such information is troubling since sound public policy rests on policy makers and citizens having solid information as a foundation for informed decisions.

Canada's Economic Relations with China attempts to fill this gap. It does so by quantifying Canada's economic relations with China in terms of Canada's merchandise trade with China, its trade in services with China, inward and outward foreign direct investment between the two countries, and the presence of Chinese immigrants in Canada. The main objective of the report is not only to comment on Canada's current economic status with China but also to identify potential areas of growth in the relationship.