Economic history in Canada started with the First Nations and continued with those that came to this country from Europe. At that time goods were transported by canoe throughout the rivers and lakes. In central Canada most trading and bartering, which is how small business came about, revolved around the fur trade. Pelts were most often traded to the Europeans for guns and luxury items. Though to this day, the sale of fur is still going strong in Canada, political controversy has caused great losses as those around the world react with distaste to the slaughter of animals for their pelts. Were they to live in a climate as cold as Canada’s was at that time, and still is in some areas today, their opinion may be different.
