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

Sep 25, 2017

Economic Study Confirms Forest Industry a Cornerstone of B.C.’s Economy

Over 140,000 total jobs, $12.9 billion in GDP drive economy in communities across the province An economic study released today by the B.C. forest industry confirms that the sector continues to be a cornerstone of the provincial economy and one of the largest...

Aug 16, 2017

In the News: Scientific American – High Rises Made of Wood?

By Annie Sneed. Published in Scientific American September 2017 Issue Tall timber buildings could produce fewer emissions and sequester carbon dioxide. A wood skyscraper might sound like a bad idea—and potentially a giant tinderbox. But architects around the...

Apr 13, 2017

COFI’s first convention in Vancouver filled with optimism for the future

Forestry for the Planet. Forest Products for the World. Susan Yurkovich wraps up the Council of Forest Industries 2017 conference in Vancouver. We kicked off yesterday with Minister Thomson talking about some of the work his Ministry has undertaken, some of...

Apr 6, 2017

Opinion: B.C. forest industry convention highlights sustainability, innovation, Vancouver Sun

This week, almost 600 business, government, First Nations and community leaders have gathered in Vancouver for the B.C. Council of Forest Industries (COFI) annual convention, one of B.C.’s most important business gatherings, which comes at a critical time for our...

Apr 5, 2017

Opinion: B.C.’s forests can be harvested sustainably, Vancouver Sun

Whoever first made the observation that an individual “couldn’t see the forest for the trees” was pointing to a common problem — particularly about forests themselves. While many, including myself, view trees as beautiful and crucial to our way of life, as a...

Nov 29, 2016

Tilting At Sawmills: America’s Shameful Approach To The Softwood Lumber Dispute With Canada, Forbes

Dan Ikenson, Contributer Donald Trump has called the North American Free Trade Agreement the "worst trade deal ever negotiated." If he were speaking on behalf of Canadian exporters or American consumers of softwood lumber, his point would have some validity. For more...