OTTAWA, ON—Canadian Forest Owners (CFO) congratulates the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and members of the Forestry Transformation Task Force on the release of their report, which recognizes the important contribution of Canada’s private forests in building a competitive, sustainable, and resilient forest sector.
Representing approximately 480,000 private forest owners across the country, CFO’s members manage 25 million hectares of privately owned forest land from coast to coast. Together, they account for approximately 10 per cent of Canada’s forest land base and 20 per cent of national forest production.
As the report notes, “Canada has a proud tradition of private forest ownership.” Private forests contribute an estimated $14.5 billion annually to Canada’s economy and support nearly 40,000 direct jobs in silviculture, harvesting, transportation, and forest products manufacturing.
“Canada’s private forests are a quiet giant in the forest economy,” said Andrew de Vries, Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Forest Owners. “The Task Force rightly recognizes that a competitive forest sector depends on stable, long-term access to economic fibre. Private forest owners provide a homegrown solution that is already delivering economic, environmental, and social benefits to communities across the country.”
The report highlights increasing pressures on Crown forests, including conservation objectives, wildfire risk, invasive pests, and competing land-use demands. As these pressures affect timber availability, private forests offer an important and reliable source of fibre for Canadian mills.
Most private forests are located near existing manufacturing facilities, which helps lower transportation costs and strengthen regional supply chains. They also often achieve productivity levels 20 per cent (or more) higher than Crown forests, reflecting generations of stewardship, patient capital, and active management.
For CFO, the report’s recognition of private forests is an important step forward. However, the organization believes that recognition must now be accompanied by policy action.
“Private forests have the potential to contribute far more to Canada’s economic growth, climate objectives, and forest sector competitiveness,”said de Vries. “Recognition is important, but action is needed. The forthcoming Action Plan should include a dedicated national private forest strategy with clear goals, measurable objectives, and supporting policies that enable private forest owners to fully contribute to Canada’s forest future.”
Such a strategy should include objectives related to timber productivity, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, wildfire resilience, and rural economic development. It should also address long-standing gaps in policy, data collection, investment incentives, and risk management programs that have historically overlooked private forest owners.
“As Canada charts the future of its forest sector, private forests must be part of the solution,” added de Vries. “With the right policies and partnerships, private forest owners can help deliver the fibre, environmental services, and economic opportunities that Canadians need.”
CFO is looking forward to working with the federal government and provinces, private forest owners, Indigenous communities, and industry partners to ensure our forest sector remains a pillar of strength and prosperity for decades to come.
About Canadian Forest Owners
Canadian Forest Owners is the national voice of private forest ownership in Canada. Its members represent approximately 480,000 private forest owners and managers who steward 25 million hectares of privately owned forests and an additional 15 million hectares of Crown land managed by corporate members. Together, they play a vital role in supporting Canada’s forest economy, rural communities, and environmental sustainability.
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Media Contact:
Sandra Bishop: 778-269-3050
sandraabishop@telus.net