Insights and Resources

A new study found that, in 2019, B.C.’s forest products industry:

Contributed $13 billion to B.C.’s GDP
Supported 100,000 good jobs for British Columbians
Paid $8 billion in wages, salaries & benefits
Generated $4 billion in government revenue to support health, education & more

Read the executive summary, the report or the full technical study.

Have your say on BC’s Old Growth Review

As BC continues to advance its old growth review, a positive path forward is possible.

Let Premier Horgan and Minister Conroy know that you support a balanced outcome that ensures healthy and resilient forests, helps tackle climate change and provides stability and predictability for First Nations, labour, industry and communities.

Submit your letter

More information

In 2019, nearly 9,900 suppliers from over 340 communities, and 120 Indigenous Nations and organizations provided $7 billion in goods and services to B.C.’s forest industry.*

Read our report and executive summary, see the full study and watch our video.

*2019 data from COFI member companies

CHOICES FOR A BETTER FUTURE

Forestry is an industry in transition in British Columbia, and managing through this transition will require collective effort.

With the right choices, we believe we can achieve a globally competitive forest sector that is a model for the world in product innovation, technological advances, and environmental care — one that all British Columbians can be proud of.

Industry is setting out its vision for what the future could be, and the ideas and actions to help get us there. The 60 choices for a better future are outlined in five major areas:

Invest in, and protect, our working forest land base
Have smart rules that protect the environment and encourage investment
Strengthen participation of Indigenous peoples and partnerships with communities
Double down on market and product diversification
Be the global hub for expertise in low-carbon, green building

To learn more, see our full report with all 60 recommendations.

Read our latest newsletter for updates on our activities and the forest sector: December 2020

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BC’s forest industry is a world leader in sustainable forestry and is one of the most significant economic drivers in the province. Learn more about how the industry is adapting, evolving and innovating by visiting the insights and resources below.

Insights

Apr 15, 2021

A Strategy for B.C. Forests That Benefits All British Columbians

Across British Columbia, important discussions are happening about the future of our provincial forest sector. As these discussions continue and as the B.C. government advances consultations on the Old Growth Strategic Review and looks to modernize provincial forest...

Mar 11, 2021

A Path Forward for the Old Growth Review Process

As the B.C. government looks to begin consultations on the Old Growth Review, the United Steelworkers’ Wood Council and the B.C. Council of Forest Industries have joined together to offer a path forward that will benefit all British Columbians. The Steelworkers’ Wood...

Nov 4, 2020

All British Columbia communities are forestry communities

What does a forester in Prince George, a drone maker in Vancouver and an environmental consultant in Victoria all have in common? They all live and work in a forestry community. The answer might surprise many people. However, B.C.’s forest industry’s deep...

Oct 8, 2020

Economic Study Shows B.C. Forest Industry Has Deep Roots, Builds Strong Communities

Vancouver, B.C. – A new study conducted by iTotem Technologies Ltd. for the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) and released today found that in 2019, COFI member companies purchased $7 billion worth of goods and services from nearly 9,900 B.C.-based companies and...

Sep 16, 2019

COFI Releases Plan to Secure a Strong, Competitive Forestry Future

(Vancouver, B.C.) - The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) today released a plan – “Smart Future: A Path Forward for B.C.’s Forest Products Industry” – with 60 policy choices that can be made today to secure a stronger future for B.C.’s forest sector. The forest...

Jan 19, 2018

COFI submits comments to Canadian Wildlife Service on behalf of forest industry

On January 19, 2018, COFI submitted comments regarding the draft Section 11 Conservation Agreement for Southern Mountain Caribou. As a world leader in sustainable forestry, the B.C. forest sector plays a role in supporting caribou recovery and survival. The B.C....