The forest industry is the primary employer in many communities throughout the province with 140 communities in B.C. dependent on the industry. The forest industry is one of the highest paying industries in the province, and directly employs more than 63,000 people. Many of these jobs are located outside of major urban centres, where the lower housing costs allow people to enjoy a higher standard of living. More than 7,000 businesses in B.C make up the forest industry. The majority of these are small businesses that employ less than 20 people. These high-paying jobs in communities around the province boost local employment and create spinoff jobs, strengthening the overall community.

The B.C. forest industry is tied to many other industries, including accounting, banking, engineering, consulting, advertising, and environmental services. Forest products companies are major purchasers of transportation services, energy, equipment, silviculture services, and other professional services such as foresters and geoscientists. In 2014, the industry invested $1.8 billion in construction, machinery, and equipment in B.C. These indirect jobs employ more than 82,000 people, for a total of more than 145,000 jobs for British Columbians.