Which type of corporation is owned by the Canadian government?

A Crown corporation is a type of corporation that is owned and operated by the government in Canada. These entities are created to serve a public purpose and usually operate in sectors where private enterprise is either inadequate or lacking. Crown corporations often engage in activities that are deemed essential for the public, such as transportation, communication, and natural resources, thereby reflecting the government's role in delivering certain services.

For instance, companies like Canada Post and CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) are examples of Crown corporations. They are distinct because they operate with a degree of independence from direct government control while still being accountable to the public through government oversight and legislation.

In contrast, public corporations refer to businesses that are owned by shareholders who trade their shares on a stock exchange, while private corporations are owned by individuals or a small group of investors and do not sell shares to the public. Chartered corporations are businesses that receive legal authorization from the government but are not specifically owned by it. Thus, Crown corporations uniquely represent government ownership and operation.