Before WWⅡ a producer of staple commodities --furs,fish,forestry and agricultural products export of primary resources--the backbone of the economy John A.Macdonald attempted to develop internal markets and a manufacturing industry but failedBefore WW II • a producer of staple commodities -- furs, fish, forestry and agricultural products • export of primary resources -- the backbone of the economy • John A. Macdonald attempted to develop internal markets and a manufacturing industry but failed