Why Forestry Works
Forestry works for BC by building strong economies and shoring up investments for reliable health care and critical infrastructure like highways and schools, and supporting climate actions with research, science and the people to deliver the solutions in the forest.
A healthy forest sector supports our quality of life and means we can afford to pay for the programs, infrastructure and services British Columbians deserve and need.
Cost of Living
- When BC’s forest sector does well; we all do better.
- A healthy forest sector = a healthy economy.
- Businesses flourish, good jobs are created, young people stay in BC, and families thrive rather than survive.
Healthcare
- More than anytime in recent history, healthcare is top of mind to British Columbians.
- Healthcare is among the largest categories of government spending in BC.
- BC’s 2024 budget includes $13B for capital investments over three years to support the construction of long-term care, acute care and cancer care facilities.
- Forestry generated $6.6 billion in government revenue in 2022. A healthy forest sector can support the healthcare system British Columbians deserve and need.
Critical infrastructure
- As our population grows so does our need for critical infrastructure – from schools and roads, to high-speed connectivity and energy systems.
- Political investment on critical infrastructure begins with government revenue.
- Revenue from forestry goes towards building new schools for a growing population, especially in urban areas.
- Through forestry revenues, we can expand our transportation corridors and make our roads safer.
Housing
- Housing is a human right, and building decent housing for people begins with a Working Forest. With BC wood, together we can build affordable homes for all British Columbians.
- Beyond building new homes, the reality is that good paying jobs keep people in their homes and investing in their communities.
Climate Change
- Forestry matters in the face of climate change – and we need our forest workforce more than ever.
- A working forest makes our forests more resilient to wildfire and communities safer.
- Today’s forest workers are on the front lines of the battle against climate change: restoring forests after wildfire and enhancing biodiversity through Indigenous-led approaches.
