metric tonnes through BC ports in 2013. In the case of Port
Metro Vancouver, forestry accounted for 8.5% of all cargo
shipped and half of all laden export containers handled
in 2013.5
BC Merchandise Exports by
Commodity Group
billions $
9
8
Adding up the associated employment impact, the
forest industry in BC supports 82,000 jobs beyond the
industry itself.6 When you combine the direct and indirect
employment, more than 145,000 British Columbians owe
their livelihoods to the province’s forest products cluster.
7
6
5
4
3
A Critical Part of BC’s Export Economy
2
1
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duc
ct s
Fish
Pro
al
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u
ture
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hin
Fa b
rica
te d
s
Ag r
icul
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l Ga
ura
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ent
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ipm
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Eq u
era
p
Min
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allic
M et
Mac
Wo
od
Pro
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0
Source: BC Stats.
Figure 5
Spin-off Benefits Are Significant
It is impossible to discuss forestry in BC and not touch
upon the interconnections and linkages between forest
products and other parts of the economy. The forest
products cluster purchases goods and services from a
vast array of businesses across the province. Industry
participants procure a range of services, including
accounting, environmental, banking, engineering,
insurance, consulting, information technology, and
customs services. Forest products companies also purchase
maintenance services and machinery and equipment. In
many instances, local companies are initially formed to
manufacture equipment for nearby forest products firms
and then subsequently expand to sell and export their
products and related expertise to other jurisdictions.
Forest products companies are also major purchasers of BC
transportation services, electricity, and other inputs such
as seedlings, fertilizer, and other forestry-related goods and
services. Transportation services are especially significant
as the industry relies on road, rail, and waterways and port
infrastructure to move wood products and pulp and paper
throughout the province and to international markets. In
2013, the forest industry utilized 245,000 railcars