Forestry in British Columbia: 24 Facts

Forestry in British Columbia: 24 Facts

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Forestry in British Columbia Facts cover

With 55 million hectares of forested lands and nearly 100,000 total jobs [1][2], British Columbia’s forestry sector is rooted deep in the province’s economy and identity.

In fact, B.C. is one of the world’s largest exporters of a variety of wood products, including wood pellets to pulp, and even biofuels [1]. The sector plays a considerable role in the provincial economy, adding $17.4 billion to gross domestic product (GDP) and paying $9.1 billion in wages, salaries, and benefits while driving economic activity in many parts of the province [2].

The long history of forestry in B.C. has contributed significantly to the livelihood of Canadian families, governments, and our country as a whole. To give you an idea of just how important B.C. forests are to the province and country, see these fun and interesting facts on forestry in British Columbia below.

Jobs in British Columbia's Forestry Sector - 2022 - COFI

BC Council of Forest Industries

British Columbia Forestry Facts

#1 – British Columbia is covered by 55 million hectares of forested land, deeply intertwining the forestry sector with the province’s industry and identity [1]

#2 – Approximately 99,800 direct, indirect, and induced jobs are supported by forestry across British Columbia (2022) [2]

#3 – B.C. forestry adds $17.4 billion to the provincial GDP (2022) [2]

#4 – Forest products were British Columbia’s second top export in 2022, accounting for 24% of all provincial merchandise exports by value [2]

#5 – The forestry sector pays out $9.1 billion in wages, salaries, and benefits to Canadians (2022) [2]

#6 – A total of $15.8 billion of capital was invested in B.C. forestry operations over 10 years, between 2013 and 2022 [2], including:

    • $7.1 billion for investments in construction, machinery, and equipment
    • $8.7 billion on repairs and maintenance, through local BC companies and suppliers

#9 – Forestry in B.C. generates $6.6 billion in government revenue to support healthcare, education, and other critical social programs [2]

#10 – British Columbia’s forestry industry represents [2]:

    • 1 in 28 of all jobs in the province
    • 1 in 6 manufacturing jobs
    • 8% of total jobs in the Northeast
    • 10% of total jobs in the Kootenays
    • 22% of total jobs in the Cariboo

#16 - 25% of B.C. forestry jobs are based in the Lower Mainland [2]

#17 – 4,800 Indigenous people are directly employed by the forestry sector in B.C. [2]

#18 – B.C.’s forest industry provides significantly higher paying salaries, averaging over $106,000 in compensation per year in 2022, compared to the average of $73,000 in B.C. [2]

#19 - Of the 204 B.C. First Nation communities, 126 have existing forestry revenue-sharing agreements as of 2022 [3]

#20 – Forestry is a critical component of the B.C. economy, directly employing workers in a diverse range of jobs throughout the province such as foresters, scientists, engineers, administrators, software developers, maintenance supervisors, mechanics, and trade specialists [4]

#21 – In 2022 alone, B.C.’s forestry sector spent $6.6 billion on goods and services, showing its critical importance to the economy [4]

#22 – B.C.’s forest industry acquired $326 million in goods and services from Indigenous affiliated vendors in 2022 [4]

#23 – In 2022, B.C.’s forestry sector acquired goods and services from 9,970 B.C.-based suppliers, 220 Indigenous-affiliated vendors, and 335 municipalities and Indigenous communities [4]

#24 – B.C.’s forestry sector invested $7.8 million into community organizations and charities in 2022 [4]

Community impacts of forestry across British Columbia - COFIBC Council of Forest Industries

Quotes on the Importance of Forestry to B.C.

“Forestry plays a critical role in the City of Campbell River, providing strong, vibrant livelihoods for hundreds of residents. The North Island’s forestry economy provides tens of millions of dollars each year to the City of Campbell River’s businesses, both directly and indirectly, which supports both municipal and regional infrastructure needs.

Without a healthy forest economy, Campbell River residents would suffer as these jobs on average pay a significantly higher salary than many other occupations within our community.”

- Mayor Kermit Dahl, City of Campbell River [4]

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“Small and Medium Businesses are the heart of rural communities, the significance of the forest industry in creating the conditions that allow these businesses to thrive cannot be understated.”

- Mayor Surinderpal Rathor, City of Williams Lake [4]

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“British Columbia’s forest sector is critical to municipal economies around the Province. While Vancouver is not known as a ‘forestry town’, it has the highest forest industry spend of all BC municipalities and is a key hub for forest companies and suppliers.

As municipalities like Vancouver look to increase housing… the forest sector is critical to these efforts. Pre-fabricated wood construction and mass timber can help build housing faster and more affordably.”

- Councillor Lisa Dominato, City of Vancouver [4]

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“The forest industry continues to play an important role in the growth of our community, as it has for several decades, by creating jobs, sustaining families, building neighborhoods, supporting businesses and contributing to many worthy community causes.

The industry’s future health… are vital to the ongoing success of the City of West Kelowna and the local and regional economies. The significant economic impact from the supply chain and community investments made by the Gorman Group, and all vendor companies across the Southern Interior region, remain extremely important to us in West Kelowna.”

- Mayor Gord Milsom, City of West Kelowna [4]

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“Through opportunities and partnerships, First Nations have taken on the responsibility to invest and contribute to the sustainability and wellbeing of our forest economy for today and future generations.”

- Lenny Joe, CEO, BC First Nations Forestry Council [4]

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“From a purely economic standpoint, forestry is a founding industry in British Columbia, and one in which Lheidli T’enneh has developed a strong economic future for our Nation, our members, and the province.

Through good paying jobs, to training, development and ownership opportunities, First Nations throughout B.C. continue to be valuable partners in building a safe and viable forest sector for future generations. First Nations owned businesses are a catalyst for growth and opportunity in the future of forest management.”

- Chief Dolleen Logan, on behalf of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation [4]

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“Like many indigenous communities across Canada, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations are increasingly relying on direct participation in the economy to help address the need of our own revenues and members’ incomes.

To help make lives better in our communities, we have been investing our money, focus and efforts on resource areas like forestry. We aim to achieve two things: meaningful participation in the Canadian Economy based on our own traditionally-informed values, and helping to create real value in a globalized economy and to share in that value.

Economic, cultural and… considerations all contribute to a holistic understanding of reconciliation and must be a part of the conversation when foundational decisions are being made at a regulatory and political level.”

- Sayaač̓ atḥ (John Alan Jack), Chief-Councillor for Huu-ay-aht First Nations

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SOURCES:

1 - https://www.britishcolumbia.ca/industries/forestry/

2 - https://cofi.org/wp-content/uploads/Economic-Impact-Report-2024-Exec-Summary-April-9.pdf

3 - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-first-nations-receive-63m-boost-in-forestry-revenue-sharing-1.6432882

4 - https://cofi.org/wp-content/uploads/COFI-2024-Supply-Chain-Study-Exec-Summary.pdf