March 2026
Canada’s oil sands industry is a significant contributor to Canada’s economy. In a period of rising costs and economic uncertainty, the sector supports jobs, government revenues and investment in infrastructure and public programs across the country.
Economic impact of the oil and gas industry (key figures)
- Employment: More than 503,000 Canadians are directly or indirectly employed by Canada’s oil and gas industry (Source: Energy Fact Book 2025-2026, Natural Resources Canada, 2025).
- Government revenue: $153.2 billion in taxes and royalties were paid to federal and provincial governments between 2018 and 2024 (Source: “Oil and gas extraction revenues, expenses and balance sheet.” Statistics Canada, Sept. 29, 2025).
- Economic contribution: The oil sands has contributed more than $1 trillion to Canada’s economy over the past 25 years (Source: Macdonald-Laurier Institute, 2024).
Innovation in the oil sands is also advancing through collaborative efforts focused on improving environmental technologies related to oil sands operations.
This fact sheet covers:
- The role of the oil sands industry in supporting Canada’s economy
- Employment and economic activity generated by the oil and gas sector
- Government revenues and contributions to infrastructure and public programs
- Environmental innovation through COSIA, the innovation arm of Oil Sands Alliance
- The need for a secure and stable energy supply