VANCOUVER, BC – The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) today released its latest economic impact study, Rooted in BC: Economic Impact of Forestry. The report uses the latest Statistics Canada data up to December 2024 to provide a localized look at the sector’s vital role across all eight of BC’s economic regions. Despite significant global trade volatility and shifting land-use priorities, the findings underscore that the forest sector remains an indispensable pillar of the provincial economy. From sustaining high-wage jobs to funding the essential public services British Columbians rely on, the industry’s footprint remains significant.

By the numbers:

• Total Investment: $14.4 Billion invested in BC operations (2015-2024)
• Employment: 95,000 jobs (direct, indirect, and induced)
• Government Revenue: $3.4 Billion to support healthcare, education and infrastructure
• Manufacturing: Forestry represents 1 in 5 BC manufacturing jobs
• Exports: 21% of BC’s merchandise exports