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CANADIAN LUMBER PRODUCTION DOWN SINCE 2017
Canadian combined softwood and hardwood lumber production has fluctuated significantly in recent years, but the broad trend is down since 2017. According to figures from
www.statista.com, monthly output peaked in March 2017 at 6.063 million m3 million m3
, but then recovered to 5.6 million m3 in 2022 was also in March at 5.06 million m3 December 2022, before recovering to 3.93 million m3 lumber was down 11% to C$321/m3
. In April 2020, as the pandemic hit, it dropped to 3.55 in March 2021. The monthly high , but it then fell to 3.25 million m3 in January 2023.
in
According to Lesprom Analytics, Canada’s exports of lumber contracted 10.3% to 33.6 million m3
, while export value fell 20% to C$10.8bn. The average price of .
Canadian lumber exports to the US fell 6.5% to 30.4 million m3 dropped 40% to 1.1 million m3
, while exports . Exports to Japan were down 37% to 947,000m3 . ■
Above: The overall trend for lumber production has been down over the last six years PHOTO: FPAC
our story. And as a result, we are helping empower the next generation of Canadians by fostering a deeper understanding of the critical role forestry plays in a future where sustainable practices, innovation and collaboration become the norm.
MANAGING FOR A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW
Entering its third year, Forestry for the Future continues to highlight how the sector sustainably manages forests in a way that balances economic, social, and environmental factors to meet the needs of the present, while ensuring that the forests themselves remain healthy and productive for generations to come.
By dispelling some common myths about the sector, the initiative highlights the many ways in which we are committed to sustainable practices. For example, while 25% of Canada’s forests are designated for harvesting, less than 1% are actually harvested annually. Or, that Canada leads the world in third-party forest certification, managing 36% of the world’s certified forests, more than twice the area certified in any other country. By communicating these basic facts, Forestry for the Future is building a foundational understanding that Canadian forestry is in fact sustainable forestry – and that sustainable forestry has a role to play in our collective fight against climate change.
FROM ZERO WASTE TO NET ZERO That role goes beyond sustainably managing our forests.
Highlighting the sector’s contribution to a net-zero economy also plays a key role in our approach. For example, today nearly 60% of the forest sector runs on bioenergy. By converting wood chips, sawdust, and bark – materials that might otherwise be considered
wood waste – our sector has created a low- carbon energy source that not only powers our operations but can help other sectors reduce their emissions. As we continue to invest in research and development to find new ways to use Canadian forest products, we also need to invest in new ways to promote these environmentally friendly alternatives. One of these ways is by harnessing the power of video. In 2021, Forestry for the Future released ‘Capturing Carbon’ – a feature-length documentary that showcases the innovative practices that set Canada apart as a forestry leader. From wildland fire management in the BC Interior to innovations in wood building and architecture in Toronto, the documentary drills down on how wood products can create more climate-conscious communities and the role sustainable Canadian forestry can play in putting our country on the path toward meeting our net- zero emissions targets.
The documentary has been viewed by millions of Canadians in the past year and was highlighted at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in November 2022.
CANADA’S CLIMATE CHANGE EXPORT Forests have a crucial role to play in providing multiple nature-based solutions to climate change. But what matters most is how we manage our forests.
Forestry for the Future is helping convey the power of sustainable forest management to Canadians. By equipping them with necessary knowledge about Canada’s forests and our sustainable management practices, we can enhance our prospects of unlocking the potential of our most valuable climate change fighting resource.
Central to this thinking is the importance of upholding biodiversity and maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. This includes
preserving wildlife habitats, protecting water quality, and reducing the risk of forest fires and other natural disasters; while working closely with indigenous communities to ensure that traditional knowledge and cultural practices are respected and integrated into forest management plans. We want more Canadians to know that forestry respects the water, soils, wildlife, biodiversity, and partnerships that will keep our forests as forests forever.
CREATING A LEGACY
Forging ahead, Forestry for the Future is embarking on a transformative journey to highlight the significant contributions of Canada’s forest sector to the world. This programme is a catalyst for change and we are seizing the opportunity to help inspire a world where forests are cherished and where the beauty and richness of nature coexist with human progress.
With a balanced approach that considers economic, social, and environmental factors, Canada’s forest sector continues to support a thriving economy. We continue to promote innovation within the sector and beyond, where the development of new products and technologies are driving environmental stewardship while reducing carbon emissions in tandem. Together, we can promote the benefits of sustainable forest management and position Canada as a global leader in combating climate change. ■
FURTHER INFORMATION
For more information, visit
forestryforthefuture.ca
www.ttjonline.com | July/August 2023 | TTJ
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