BC Forest Industry

            Canada, known for our many natural resources, has up to 10% of the world’s forest coverage. Due to this, we became the second largest producer of lumber in the world, accounting for 16% of worldwide production.

            In recent years, the lumber industry has faced trade and economic challenges. The Canada-United States Softwood Lumber Agreement, between 2002 and 2006, caused a rise in energy and raw material prices, a decline in lumber prices, and a higher exchange rate for the Canadian dollar.

            The lumber industry plays a key role in Canada’s economy and export market, resulting for more than 4% of total Canadian merchandise exports. It sustains more than 54 000 direct jobs across Canada, and an additional 90 600 jobs in other related industries.

            In conclusion, without the forest industry, BC would be a much different place. The economy would be substantially affected, and there would be far less jobs.