Stats | Forestry Industry Statistics in Canada

The forestry industry plays a significant role in Canada’s economy, contributing to job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development.

Here are some key statistics about the forestry industry in Canada:

1. Economic Contribution

The forestry industry contributes significantly to Canada’s economy:

• In 2019, the forestry sector contributed $24.6 billion to Canada’s GDP, accounting for 1.3% of the total GDP.
• The industry directly employed over 209,000 people in 2019, with an additional 600,000 jobs indirectly supported by the sector.
• Canada is the world’s second-largest exporter of forest products, with exports valued at $34.7 billion in 2019. [1]

2. Forest Area

Canada is known for its vast forested areas:

• Canada has approximately 347 million hectares of forest land, covering almost 40% of the country’s total land area.
• The boreal forest, which stretches across Canada, is one of the largest intact forest ecosystems in the world.
• British Columbia has the largest forested area among the provinces, followed by Quebec and Ontario. [2]

3. Sustainable Forest Management

Canada is committed to sustainable forest management practices:

• Over 90% of Canada’s forests are publicly owned, with the majority managed by provincial and territorial governments.
• Canada has one of the world’s highest rates of forest certification, with over 166 million hectares certified to sustainable forest management standards.
• The industry invests heavily in research and development to improve forest management practices and minimize environmental impacts. [3]

4. Carbon Sequestration

Forests in Canada play a crucial role in carbon sequestration:

• Canada’s forests sequester approximately 20% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, acting as a carbon sink.
• The forestry industry actively participates in carbon offset programs and sustainable forest management practices to enhance carbon sequestration.
• Forest carbon stocks in Canada have increased by 1.7 billion tonnes between 1990 and 2015. [4]

These statistics highlight the importance of the forestry industry in Canada and its contribution to the economy, employment, and environmental sustainability. The industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing market demands and environmental challenges to ensure the long-term viability of Canada’s forests.

Sources: Canada Small Business – Statistics | 2023

Forestry Industry Statistics in Canada

[1]: Natural Resources Canada

[2]: Natural Resources Canada

[3]: Natural Resources Canada

[4]: Natural Resources Canada