The Canadian forest products industry is an essential part of Canada’s economic and social fabric.  Active in 12 of 13 provinces and territories, and using goods and services from every region of the country, Canada’s forest products industry is truly national. It is the backbone of many rural communities and contributes significantly to the well-being of Canadians in both rural and urban Canada. The future of these communities is tightly intertwined with the future of the Canadian forest products industry.

The Canadian forest products industry is a major generator of employment in both rural and urban Canada. Canada’s forests, sawmills and pulp and paper facilities directly employ close to 238,200 Canadians. Factoring in employment from related industries such construction, chemicals, engineering and transportation the Canadian forest product industry supports over 604,300 direct and indirect jobs. The forest products industry is also the largest employer of Aboriginal peoples employing over 17,000 and depends upon 1400 Aboriginal businesses for its day to day operations.

As an industry we’re able to maintain high paying jobs across the country because we’re the largest, most successful forest products exporting nation in the world. In 2009 the industry generated sales of $54 billion; representing 11% of Canada’s manufacturing GDP. That’s more than the plastics, aerospace and chemical industries. Forest product export sales exceeded $23 billion and contributed a positive trade balance in excess of $14 billion.