Forestry in Nova Scotia: 12 Facts

Forestry in Nova Scotia: 12 Facts

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Forestry in nova scotia facts statistics

Did you know that nearly three-quarters of Nova Scotia is covered in forests? Throughout its history, these forests have not only supported the lifestyle of Canadians across the province, but have also nurtured a forestry sector that supports thousands of jobs and adds nearly $2 billion to Nova Scotia’s economy every year.

With challenges facing Canada’s forestry sector, it’s important to explore some of the facts on forestry in Nova Scotia and support the workers who rely on these industries to provide for their families. Also, we invite you to check out the following related blogs for more educational information on Canadian forestry:

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12 Nova Scotia Forestry Facts

  1. About 75% of the province of Nova Scotia – or about four million hectares – is covered in forests, supporting the forestry industry [1]
  2. Nova Scotia’s forestry industry contributes around $2 billion in economic activity for the province every year [4]
  3. Nova Scotia’s forestry sector directly employed more than 6,400 people including 2,700 direct full-time positions and another 3,700 spin-off jobs [2]
  4. The average forestry worker in Nova Scotia gets paid as much as 54% more than the average pay cheque in the province [4]
  5. Nova Scotia’s forestry industry generates more than $170 million in tax revenue for the provincial and federal governments - $84 million provincially and $87 million federally [4]
  6. Nova Scotia’s forestry sector exported more than $617 million worth of goods in 2022 [2]
  7. Nova Scotia generated $105,483,000 in revenues from manufactured logging goods in 2021 [2]
  8. Nova Scotia’s forestry sector plants more than 12 million trees every year [3]
  9. Thanks to the work of the provincial forest industry, upwards of 20 million trees are grown every year in Nova Scotia [2]
  10. Nova Scotia was home to more than 1.27 million hectares of forests with third-party management certification as of 2022 [2]
  11. Nova Scotia was home to 420,383 maple syrup “taps” – or trees producing maple syrup in 2022 [2]
  12. Due to mill closures, the sector’s GDP declined by 15%, exports by 18%, and employment by 14% due to mill closures [4]

Challenges in Nova Scotia’s Forestry Sector

Nova Scotia's forestry sector is facing significant challenges, with mill closures being one of the most pressing issues. These closures have resulted in lost jobs and economic instability for communities that rely on the forestry industry. A lack of investment in innovation has also hindered the industry's ability to adapt to changing market demands and improve resource efficiency. When combined, these factors have created a situation in which forestry workers and their communities face ongoing uncertainty. 

To reverse this trend, renewed investment in modernization and infrastructure is essential. Supporting the development of advanced processing facilities and technologies can help the industry recover and meet market demands more effectively. By prioritizing innovation and improving operational efficiency, Nova Scotia’s forestry sector can create more stable, long-term job opportunities and reinvigorate the local economy.

Let’s support Nova Scotia’s forestry workers for a better, stronger, and more prosperous future for all Canadians!

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Join us today to learn more about Canada’s forestry sector and in support of the hundreds of thousands of families who rely on the industry to make ends meet.

SOURCES:

1 - https://www.saltwire.com/sponsored/forest-nova-scotia-making-strides-toward-sustainable-forestry-100862284

2 - https://natural-resources.canada.ca/sites/nrcan/files/forest/sof2023/NRCAN_SofForest_Annual_2023_EN_accessible-vf(1).pdf

3 - https://www.forestns.ca/

4 - https://www.forestns.ca/forest-ns-blog/forestry-generates-18-billion-in-economic-impact