Conversations That Matter: A future for forestry

“Canada’s forest sector is at an inflection point,” the Canadian forest sector transformation task force says.

“Despite stewarding nearly nine per cent of the world’s forests and delivering over 199,000 direct jobs in 300 forest-reliant communities, and $23.5 billion in GDP, the sector is no longer globally competitive nor an attractive destination for large-scale investment,” the group warns.

“Over the past two decades, Canada has experienced declining production, capital flight, prolonged mill closures, and weakened investor and workforce confidence — trends not observed in peer forest nations such as Finland.

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The report acknowledges that sustained U.S. softwood lumber duties, global market shifts, insect outbreaks, and wildfires have exacerbated industry challenges.

However, the task force’s conclusion is unequivocal. “The most significant barriers to competitiveness are homegrown. Absent immediate, co-ordinated, and decisive action, the forest sector faces an existential risk.”

Kalesnikoff, co-chair of the task force to join me for a Conversation That Matters about a path to recovery in the forest sector.

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