Energy is the fourth largest contributor to Canada's economy and makes up 7.6 per cent of the total GDP. As a net energy exporter, Canada depends on the rare and useful balance between relatively small population and the wealth of energy resources. But Canada's geography and climate also shape consumption. Because of the size of population relative to Canada's geographic size, almost 30 per cent of our energy is used for transportation. Likewise, Canada's cold northern climate means that upwards of 40 per cent of all energy produced in the country is for heating.