Final answer:
The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Lowlands offer resources that include some of Canada's best farmland for dairy and agriculture, 21% of the world's fresh surface water, important shipping routes via the St. Lawrence River, and an abundance of timber and minerals from surrounding areas. Fishing in the region's lakes is also significant for the local and national economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Resources of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Lowlands:
The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Lowlands are rich in a variety of resources. This region is known for having some of Canada's best farmland, particularly along the St. Lawrence River where dairy farms and agriculture are prominent, providing food for the region's larger cities. Ontario's farmland is fertile, especially on the north and east sides of the Great Lakes, which supports grain and beef operations. Additionally, the Great Lakes themselves are a crucial resource, holding 21% of the world's surface fresh water, making them a significant surface water resource.
Beyond agriculture the St. Lawrence River forms North America's most important deepwater ship route, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, which is vital for trade and transportation. The natural resources extend beyond agriculture and waterways; there is also an abundance of timber and minerals in the areas surrounding the Canadian Shield including the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Lowlands. These resources are essential for Canadian industries and exports. Furthermore fishing is a significant activity, with prized fisheries in the Great Lakes being important both commercially and ecologically, although they face threats from invasive species such as Asian carp.