Forestry Sector Reports & Updates
Links to Information & Resources
Open Letter to British Columbians
October 2021 ~ More than 275 forestry and labour leaders call for a path forward on old growth that supports healthy forests, good jobs and strong communities.
Dear British Columbians,
An important conversation about old growth is happening across BC.
Together, we’ve been listening to what British Columbians have to say – workers, Indigenous partners, community members, families, friends and neighbours.
What we’ve heard is that while old growth may mean different things to different people, British Columbians care about the path forward. People across this province care about the future – about conservation, keeping BC’s forests healthy and helping tackle climate change. They also care about families and communities’ wellbeing.
BC Council of Forest Industries Latest Study
April 7, 2021 — the BC Council of Forest Industries was pleased to release of our new study ‘Contributing to a Better B.C.’ – 2019 Forest Industry Economic Impact Study.
The study confirms that B.C.’s forest industry continues to generate significant economic activity and contributes to a good quality of life for British Columbians in every region of the province.
The study found that in 2019, the provincial forest industry contributed:
- $13 billion to B.C.’s GDP
- 100,000 good jobs for British Columbians
- $8 billion in wages, salaries & benefits
- $4 billion in government revenue to support health, education & more
Importantly, Indigenous communities are vital to B.C.’s forest products industry – as owners, business and stewardship partners and employees.
Over 5,300 Indigenous people are directly employed in the forest sector, more than any other resource sector in B.C. And as a previous supply chain study showed – 120 Indigenous Nations and affiliated organizations were active participants in B.C.’s forest industry in 2019, with close to $250 million flowing to Indigenous communities.
Of interest to you, your colleagues and members, a regional breakdown is provided in the report for the Cariboo, Thompson/Okanagan, Kootenay, Lower Mainland/Southwest, Vancouver Island/Coast, North Coast, Nechako and Northeast Regions.
For More Information
Alexa Young
Vice President, Government and Public Affairs
T: 778.229.6885
E: young@cofi.org