BC’s Forest facts

BC’S FOREST INDUSTRY: CORNERSTONE OF OUR ECONOMY

top export markets
  • 140,000 jobs in B.C., with significant economic impact in every region of the province
  • 1 in 5 local jobs in three regions alone: Cariboo, Northeast and North Coast & Nechako
  • 5,315 Indigenous people, making up 9%, are directly employed in the B.C. forest industry

Check out our PwC report and fact sheet to learn more.

For more information about the significance of the forest industry on the province as a whole, see our report released in September 2017:

 

The forest industry has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 60% since 1990.

The forest industry has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 60% since 1990.

Wood insulates 15x better than concrete and 400x better than steel.

Wood insulates 15x better than concrete and 400x better than steel.

Trees planted in B.C. have captured 2 billion tonnes of carbon.

Carbon remains in wood not only for the life cycle of the tree, but for decades after in products such as lumber.

B.C. is the largest producer of softwood lumber in the world.

B.C. is the largest producer of softwood lumber in North America.

B.C. is home to the world's tallest wood building.

B.C. is home to one of the world’s tallest wood buildings.

Exports of B.C. forest products to China have increased 20 fold since 2003.

Exports of B.C. forest products to China have increased 20 fold since 2003.

140 B.C. communities are dependent on the forest industry

140 B.C. communities are dependent on the forest industry.

In 2016, 3570 students participated in COFI's forest education program.

In 2019, 6555 students participated in COFI’s forest education program.

1 out of 4 manufacturing jobs in B.C. are in the forest industry.

1 out of 4 manufacturing jobs in B.C. are in the forest industry.

Forest products accounted for 32% of Port Metro Vancouver's container traffic.

Renewable B.C. forest products ship to more than 100 countries.

23% of all rail traffic in B.C. is forest products.

11% of all rail traffic in Western Canada is forest products.

$117 Million. Total GDP impact from B.C.’s forest innovation research sector

BC’s forest industry is adapting, evolving and innovating.

Stay current. Sign up for regular email updates from the team at COFI.

 
MEET OUR MEMBERS
BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI)

1220 - 595 Howe St.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada  V6C 2T5

TEL: 604-684-0211
EMAIL: info@cofi.org