Opening titles - "Today the destiny of nations depends on their possession of the metals vital in war". Film outlines Canada's contribution to the Allied war effort with both raw minerals in the 'Great Shield' area, and production by Canadian factories of war vehicles.

(Reel 1) Isolation of North (sleigh dog-team); communications improve (ski planes etc); new towns and railways built; hydro electric power. Large-scale production of aluminium with Bauxite from British Guiana. Long sequence on Nazi Germany's metals and wartime shortage (animated maps, captured film - launching of Bismarck), hence the attempt to capture Russian industry; contrast to Canadian plenty (mining scenes, prospectors fly in). (Reel 2) Production lines of Fords of Canada, in peace and war: office scenes, arrival of pig iron, casting, assembly of engines, assembly and rigorous test driving of various trucks and carriers for use "wherever democracy is fighting" - commentary mentions production of 125,000 vehicles per year.