There are four major types of industry in Canada/USA/Europe. Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and Quaternary.

Primary Industries

Industries that take in raw materials from the natural environment. Also known as extractive industries. (known as primary because extraction or removal of natural resources must happen before anything else can be made. Everything comes from the earth)

Primary industries in Canada include agriculture, mining, forestry, and fishing. Canada has one of the largest levels of natural products in the world

Secondary Industries

Involves the processing of primary industry products into finished goods (stage two of previous skate diagram).

Commonly known as manufacturing industries. Includes products ranging from computers and rings to cans of fruit and bulldozers. There is both primary, and secondary types of manufacturing.

Tertiary Industries

Includes industries that provide services that support primary and secondary industries

Examples include education, government, radio, TV, hospitals

Quaternary Industries

Includes industries related to the processing of ideas rather than products. Accountants, researchers, computer programmers etc. The jobs are linked to one of the other types of industries.

Basic Industries

Money to pay wages comes from outside of the community. Brings money into the community, or local economy. Eg mining, working for a multinational company

Non-basic Industries

Jobs that do not bring extra money into the community. E.g. work at a local restaurant, teacher

William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team)

William completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in 2013. He current serves as a lecturer, tutor and freelance writer. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, walking his dog and parasailing. Article last reviewed: 2022 | St. Rosemary Institution © 2010-2024 | Creative Commons 4.0

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