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.

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.

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

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

Jan 19, 2018

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....

Stronger Together

Nov 30, 2017

We are pleased to advise you that the BC Council of Forest Industries [COFI] and the Coast Forest Products Association [CFPA] have decided to come together as one organization to create a stronger, unified voice for the B.C. forest industry. The forest industry has...

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

Sep 25, 2017

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...

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

Aug 16, 2017

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...

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

Apr 13, 2017

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...

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

Apr 6, 2017

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...