Connected to the Commonwealth

Montréal-based CGI, with its U.S. headquarters in Fairfax, is among the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world with operations in hundreds of locations across the globe. In communities across the U.S., CGI innovators pursue bold new solutions. By harnessing emerging technologies, agile methodologies and embedded teams, CGI takes on the toughest challenges to help their clients emerge transformed. CGI’s Southwest Virginia Information Technology Center of Excellence employs nearly 400 CGI professionals in a state-of-the-art facility. Drawing skilled local talent from a feeder system of more than 8 colleges and universities, this location serves clients in the communications, financial services, government, health, manufacturing, retail and consumer services and energy sectors.

Cascades in Ashland

In May 2023, Cascades produced its first roll of containerboard at its Bear Island, Virginia mill. The new machine produces high-quality, lightweight, 100% recycled linerboard and medium (fluting paper) for the North American market. The new line of Cascades XP linerboard manufactured in Bear Island will provide a full range of lighter weight grades to complement Cascades’ current line of regular and heavyweight grades. Made from 100% recycled fiber, these new containerboard grades will provide the same consistency and reliability for high-speed quality converting.

Canada invests in Virginia

Exports to Canada support 25,550 employees in Virginia in addition to the 20,700 employees at Canadian-owned businesses across the commonwealth. Virginia exports $5.3 billion in goods and services to Canada.

Canadian-owned companies, including CGI, Sunrise Senior Living, Oberon Associates and RBC, are major contributors to Virginia’s economy. They employ residents in every sector and contribute to the local economy by paying salaries and local taxes and purchasing goods and services in their supply chain.

Virginia exports $2.9 billion in goods to Canada annually
Virginia exports to Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 12%
• Apparel & textiles: 3%
• Chemicals: 6%
• Equipment & machinery: 27%
• Forest products: 7%
• Minerals & metals: 12%
• Plastics & rubbers: 9%
• Transportation: 18%
• Other: 6%

Top Virginia goods exports to Canada

• Tractors: $354 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $252 million
• Paper & paperboard: $160 million
• Paper & printing machinery: $145 million
• Aluminum & aluminum articles: $116 million
• Heating, cooling & refrigeration equipment: $67 million
• Electric motors & generators: $64 million
• Rope, twine, yarn & felt: $61 million
• Optical, medical & precision instruments: $57 million
• Animal meats: $57 million

Virginia exports $2.4 billion in services to Canada annually
Top Virginia services exports to Canada

• Business services: $760 million
• Travel (including for education): $585 million
• Charges for the use of intellectual property: $520 million
• Financial services: $228 million
• Telecommunications, computer & IT services: $163 million

Virginia imports $3.3 billion in goods from Canada annually
Virginia imports from Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 12%
• Chemicals: 5%
• Energy: 3%
• Equipment & machinery: 32%
• Forest products: 9%
• Minerals & metals: 9%
• Plastics & rubbers: 5%
• Transportation: 16%
• Other: 9%

Top Virginia goods imports from Canada

• Aircraft & parts: $357 million
• Paper & paperboard: $164 million
• Heating, cooling & refrigeration equipment: $156 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $154 million
• Engines & turbines: $143 million
• Aluminum & aluminum articles: $104 million
• Optical, medical & precision instruments: $100 million
• Furniture & bedding: $99 million
• Electric motors & generators: $89 million
• Pasta, breads & cereal preparations: $76 million