Forestry in Canada
Robyn Kennedy
How is the forestry industry affecting Canadians?
In the past decade, Canada has become one of the largest forestry industries worldwide, providing thousands of jobs for Canadians and significantly boosting the economy. However, the industry has both positive and negative impacts, making it quite controversial.
Forest product trade balance
Canada is currently the largest trade network for the logging industry worldwide
Old growth trees
Old growth trees over 100 years of age are being selectively cut down in old growth forests, disrupting the surrounding ecosystem
Clear cutting forests
Forestry industries in Canada are clear cutting major forests, destroying animal habitats and entire ecosystems.
Where and Why
Canada's forestry industry is mainly based in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. This is because the western provinces have more ideal growing conditions for trees, such as fertile soil and moderate climate, whereas the eastern Maritime provinces have multiple soil types, and generally colder and more severe climate conditions.
Threats to the forestry industry
The forestry industry, and the forests themselves, face several threats. Over the last few years, the trees have been severely impacted by loggers clear-cutting entire forests, and tree parasites such as the mountain pine beetle.