How British Columbia is supporting the needs of forest communities
British Columbia’s (B.C.’s) forest sector, communities and their surrounding landscapes are always evolving. Government, industry and First Nations leaders continuously seek and exchange ideas to ensure the social, environmental and economic needs of communities are met both now and in the future.
335
municipalities and Indigenous communities are impacted by B.C.’s forest sector
$91
billion in wages
and salaries and benefits paid
4800
Indigenous people
directly employed representing 9.4% of B.C. forestry workforce
20%
of all B.C. commodity exports are
forest products
Creating economic opportunities
B.C.’s forest sector plays a critical role in providing jobs and economic opportunities for communities across the province. Forest product companies purchase billions of dollars in equipment, technology and services from tens of thousands of local businesses. To support communities impacted by the industry’s transition toward a more diversified and resilient forest economy, programs are in place to offer workers training on new skills and opportunities.
Helping pay for services people need
In exchange for access to B.C.’s publicly-owned forests, the forest sector pays taxes and fees to the government, supporting essential social services and jobs in hospitals, schools and housing that people and families across B.C. use every day. This in turn supports economic growth.
Upper Skeena Recreation Centre
The Upper Skeena Recreation Centre in Hazelton, B.C. features heavy timber and wood-frame construction. Local residents, including surrounding First Nations communities, were employed to build the walls, roofs and panels and help erect the frames.
Photo credit: Ema Peter Photography, courtesy of Hemsworth Architecture
Working with First Nations who are essential to B.C.’s forest sector
Forests are located across the traditional territories of 204 First Nations in the Province of British Columbia. Many of these Indigenous nations have lived off this land since time immemorial and carry key roles informing forest health, as well economic initiatives for their communities. Indigenous Peoples are critical equity business owners, partners and employees in the industry. Indigenous participation is increasing in the B.C. forestry industry with new tenures, investment in ownership of sawmills and logging companies, and joint ventures and agreements. Government and forestry companies work with First Nations communities to also incorporate their traditional values and cultural practices in the forests.
Recognizing the rights of Indigenous Peoples
In 2019, B.C. was the first jurisdiction in Canada to formally adopt the internationally recognized standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) through legislation. With the implementation of UNDRIP currently underway in B.C., Indigenous Peoples are increasingly sharing decision-making regarding the land and forests with all communities and the provincial government.
Nadleh Whut'enne Yah Administration and Cultural Building
Using a collaborative process between band members and the design and construction team, the Nadleh Whut’en First Nation chose wood for their new cultural centre because they wanted the structure to serve as a reflection of who they are as a community. Local First Nations tradespeople were hired to participate in the year-long construction.
Photo credit: Martin Knowles
Creating a safe and healthy workforce is a top priority for B.C.
Forest sector safety standards are regulated and enforced by WorkSafeBC—the agency responsible for promoting the health and safety of workers. By law, forest sector companies must have health and safety programs in place, and many hold additional voluntary certifications that go above and beyond legal requirements. The BC Forest Safety Council further supports the sector with specialized resources, information, education and training.
Labour rights are also regulated in B.C. It is the law that all employees have the right to form and join a union, and many forest sector employees are members of various unions.
Ensuring a diverse, skilled workforce is critical to a sustainable future
B.C. is preparing the next generation for careers in forestry-related professions. From sustainable forest management to bio-products research and advanced wood construction, B.C. institutions provide comprehensive education and practical experiences to help build the future workforce. Some of the many institutions offering programs include:
- University of British Columbia (UBC)
- University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
- British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
- Thompson Rivers University (TRU)
- Vancouver Island University (VIU)
- Selkirk College
Photo courtesy of UBC Centre for Advanced Wood Processing
Looking for wood suppliers?
The naturally:wood directory connects you with over 350 suppliers of British Columbia wood products, such as prefabricated building solutions, case goods, furniture, doors, windows and pellets.
Alliance Française de Vancouver | Photo credit: Ed White Photographics