The use of smart technology – including a high-speed fibre optic pipe and the embracing of the latest in cloud technology – in the regeneration of Toronto's waterfront areas is securing the city's future as a leading hi-tech destination. 

While its largest city, Toronto, captures most of the international attention afforded to the Canadian province of Ontario, the investment strategies of three of its smaller cities – Mississauga, Hamilton and Waterloo – show that the area has considerable strength in depth.

The relatively small and quiet Canadian province of Nova Scotia manages to punch above its weight in the investment stakes, thanks in no small part to its economic development agency, which has taken a creative and thorough approach to attracting FDI.

The province of Quebec stands out from the rest of Canada for myriad reasons. Its culture and language are obvious examples of this, but its proactive approach to attracting both investment and labour also give the region something to be proud of.

Despite recording a decline in project numbers of nearly 10%, North America was still the top performing region for FDI in 2012.

Opinion is divided as to whether the unparalleled increase in outward Canadian FDI in 2011 was down to the country's strong economy or a dearth of domestic growth opportunities. Either way, it has propelled many Canadian companies – both large and small – into new territories.