Business History, defined as the written record of the
activities of individuals and enterprises seeking private profit
through the production of goods and services, has deep roots in
Canadian history, although it has matured only recently. The
evolution of Canada's business structure - encompassing
enterprises, businessmen and business practices - dates from the
earliest European contact with the continent. The Atlantic
FISHERIES and the FUR TRADE were developed by French and English
merchants exercising their metropolitan influence through such
companies as the COMPAGNIE DES CENT-ASSOCIÉS (fd 1627) and the
HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY (fd 1670). The progressive development of
fur, timber and wheat staples provided the backbone of early
Canadian business development, eg, large fur trading companies
(the NORTH WEST COMPANY, c 1780-1821), timber companies (Mossom
Boyd and Company fd c1848) and wheat traders (the Richardson
family of Kingston). From these central enterprises, ancillary
activities developed. Diversifica