The Canadian forest industry

What is the Canadian forest industry?

This is a set of companies involved in the exploitation of forest resources. The forest industry includes logging companies, manufacturers, certification bodies, etc. It is made up of small and large companies in the forestry sector. Each of these companies participates in the various forest resource management processes in a responsible and sustainable manner. Logging must take into account the environmental impact and the preservation of natural resources. Canada's forest industry is one of the largest and most important industries in the country, contributing significantly to Canada's economy and providing many employment opportunities. Its primary focus is the sustainable management of Canada's vast forest resources, which cover approximately 347 million hectares, or 9% of the world's forests.

The main activities of the Canadian forest industry

The Canadian forest industry is involved in a wide range of activities, including logging, pulp and paper production, sawmilling, and wood product manufacturing. It also plays an important role in the development of new technologies for the sustainable management and conservation of forests.

'lumbering

It is one of the main activities of the Canadian forest industry, with nearly 600 million cubic meters of wood processed each year. Various techniques are applied to treat the wood properly, including clearcutting, selective cutting and shelterwood cutting to preserve the forest ecosystem.

Paper pulp production

Canada is the world's second largest producer of market pulp. The industry designs a wide range of paper, such as newsprint, cardboard and tissue paper. Wood fibers undergo mechanical or chemical decomposition to obtain different types of paper pulp.

sawing

Canada has nearly 200 sawmills to process logs into lumber. These are indispensable in the field of construction and furniture making.

forestry

Silviculture is a practice aimed at preserving forests and encouraging their growth. It encompasses reforestation, undergrowth treatment and other practices that allow forest resources to regenerate in a sustainable way.

Harvesting and resale of non-timber products

The Canadian forest industry is also responsible for the harvesting and resale of products such as mushrooms, forest fruits, berries and medicinal herbs. It consists of two sectors:

crown forestry

Crown forestry, which is managed by provincial and territorial governments. Its objective is to sustainably manage forest resources in order to preserve the environment while meeting the social and economic needs of local communities.

Canadian private forestry

Canadian private forestry, which is managed by private companies with forest land. It enables better management of the country's natural resources and land use. The state encourages forest land owners to participate in forest certification programs, such as that of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM). This program ensures that forest management practices respect the environment and are socially responsible. Private forestry generates jobs, especially in rural areas.

Maple harvesting

Maple occupies an important part of forestry activities in Canada. Indeed, it is the main producer and exporter of maple products. The Canadian maple occupies 75 % of the international market. During 2020, the country exported approximately 61 million kilograms of maple products. This represents a sum of 515 million dollars. Among the most exported products, the famous maple syrup obtained after boiling maple sap stands out. Maple forests are located in the American Midwest, notably in Ontario, Quebec, New England, etc.

The Canadian forest industry in numbers

The forest is an inexhaustible resource of wealth for Canada, providing various economic, social and environmental benefits. In 2013, the forestry sector generated nearly $19.8 billion, the equivalent of $1.25% of the country's real GDP. In terms of trade balance, the Canadian forest industry ranks second, after Sweden.

Innovation is a key driver of growth for the Canadian forest industry. Forest residues are transformed into sources of additional income, and wood fiber is integrated into different products, even in HD televisions, thanks to technologies such as bioeconomy, nanotechnology and 3D printing.

Forest industry companies in Canada

Among the companies working in the forest industry sector, there is Sylviculture et exploitation forêt JMJ Inc., which specializes in the crushing of branches and chipping, but also in the sale of mulch and firewood.

Le Forestier GS is both a manufacturer and a wholesaler of lumber.

The company Planchers PG inc. specializes in the production of hardwood floors and their international distribution.

Canada also has several cooperatives involved in the exploitation of forests. Present in several regions, they are major players in the sector. Thus, there are cooperatives in the regions of Bas-Saint-Laurent, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Mauricie, Estrie, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Côte-Nord, Gaspésie , Chaudière-Appalaches and the Laurentians.

A job-providing sector, the forest industry has created thousands of jobs. Thus, between 2019 and 2021, the industry employed more than 14,100 people in Quebec. This represents approximately 0.3 % jobs in the province. Colombia remains number one.

A true pillar of the Canadian economy, the forest industry includes various activities: cutting, crushing of branches and chipping, treatment, drying of wood, exploitation of wood species, manufacture of boards, etc. Maple country also excels in the art of harvesting this natural product, which is a real natural treasure. Inseparable from other sectors: construction, decoration, medicine, etc. the forest industry wants to be a very profitable and sustainable industry. The economy depends on this activity. It should be noted that British Columbia is the most important forest industry region in the country. In 2020, it occupied 85 % Canadian exports of raw wood.