Making forest sustainability and innovation top priorities will help the wood products industry continue to be a significant employer and supporter of rural economies.
Major employer:
Ontario’s forest industry is a major employer in the province and the fourth largest manufacturing sector. The industry supports 180,000 jobs in more than 260 communities and contributes more than $6 billion to the provincial economy.
Expanding markets:
Innovative new products and building systems are expanding the possibilities for wood use in construction. At the same time, increasing recognition of wood’s benefits, such as cost-effectiveness, design flexibility and light carbon footprint, is helping to create stronger markets for wood products overall. Stronger markets will stabilize the industry’s ability to create jobs and support the provincial economy.
Jobs and the environment:
The belief that decisions regarding the forest industry automatically pit jobs against the environment does not reflect today’s reality. The environmental benefits associated with Ontario wood products—which include renewability, responsible forest practices and a light carbon footprint— are helping to strengthen markets for wood products, which will in turn create jobs.
Forests vs. development:
Strong markets for wood products provide a financial incentive for landowners to invest in their forests and keep them healthy for future generations.
