Canada’s Forest Sector is a Natural Ally with Powerful Potential

Canada’s forest products sector has long been a key international partner in trade and sustainable development across EU markets and around the world. Today, the future of the Canadian forest sector and its more than 200,000 workers depends on the success of our ongoing commitment to innovation, partnership, and sustainability in every area of our business.

Amidst a shifting global backdrop of changing climate patterns, worsening wildfire seasons, and economic uncertainties, Canada’s forest sector remains committed to sustainably managing forests in a way that supports environmental, economic, and social factors to meet the needs of the present – while ensuring our forests and forest ecosystems remain healthy and productive for generations to come.

Our vision for the future of sustainable Canadian forestry is rooted in collaboration and partnership, at home and abroad. Over the past year, we’ve continued to work hard to bring that vision to life.

Supporting Climate Resilience and Emissions Reduction Targets

At the global convergence of climate and government leaders at COP 28 in Dubai, Canada’s forest sector launched a national report outlining the contributions it can make towards reducing emissions and combating the escalating impacts of natural disturbances.

The report, Climate Change Mitigation in Canada’s Forest Products Sector: Roadmap Toward Net-Zero, was developed in partnership with sustainability experts at The Delphi Group and provides an actionable roadmap to help seize the benefits of climate-smart forestry, responsible forest management, and the use of carbon-storing wood products in the face of worsening natural disturbances.

Findings of the report highlight that with the rapid adoption of new technologies, appropriate investments and new policies, Canada’s forest products sector could contribute 18 to 46 million tonnes CO₂e in emission reductions annually (relative to current emissions) by 2050. Climate-smart forestry practices will also make Canada’s forests more resilient and help mitigate the impacts of increasingly frequent and devastating wildfires.

Creating an Integrated Forest-to-Buildings Value Chain

Forestry solutions to address fire risks and reduce carbon emissions begin in the forest – but also extend to the built environment across our towns and cities.

Unveiled in early June, The Mass Timber Roadmap is a comprehensive report developed in partnership with The Transition Accelerator and key stakeholders from across Canada’s forest products sector which outlines an ambitious and strategic vision for the future of mass timber building in Canada – and its potential to transform green construction and drive economic growth.

The Mass Timber Roadmap comes after more than a decade of collaborative efforts to unlock and demonstrate potential of mass timber and lays out a visionary plan to increase the Canadian mass timber market – both domestic and exports – to $1.2 billion by 2030 and to $2.4 billion by 2035.

This ambitious growth aligns with increasing market demand in both North America and around the world.

By leveraging the power of mass timber solutions, Canada has a unique opportunity to accelerate the construction of residential and commercial structures at greater speeds, with lower costs, and with a lighter carbon footprint – bringing more Canadian wood to our cities at home and to the world while helping combat some of today’s most pressing global challenges.

Leaning In by Leading the Way During National Forest Week

National Forest Week in Canada is celebrated annually during the last full week of September and encourages public engagement and reflection on the importance of sustainable forest management and the environmental, social, and economic benefits forests provide.

In the lead up to National Forest Week, Canada’s forest sector was pleased to host a National Forest Policy Conference and evening Parliamentary Reception at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa – which brought together over 400 business leaders, forest sector experts, Members of Parliament, Ministers, Senators, international missions, and government staffers alike.

The conference featured expert discussions about the leading role forestry can play in advancing economic prosperity, climate change mitigation, Indigenous reconciliation, and building sustainable communities.

The sector also proudly introduced a special edition Forestry For The Future Policy Magazine featuring twelve expert perspectives on the future of Canadian forestry. The issue takes readers on a journey from the forest floor to the built environment and covers many of the critical innovations and regulatory conversations taking place in between.

A Natural Ally with Powerful Potential

Looking back at the last few months and years, we are certainly reminded that our world is rapidly changing. And so is Canadian forestry.

Our obligation to future generations and our trading partners is to meet our most pressing challenges with innovative solutions. Canada’s forest sector and its workers offer a unique opportunity and a clear path forward to help reduce carbon emissions, support the conservation of biodiversity, mitigate the risks of more catastrophic wildfires, and grow a greener and more innovative economy – within our borders and beyond.

Text by
Derek Nighbor
President and Chief Ecxecutive Officer
Forest Products Association of Canada – FPAC

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Marriott Chateau Champlain, Montreal, Canada

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