CPABC Industry Update - Fall 2015 | Page 7

Forestry, a vital engine of BC’s economy By Jock Finlayson and Ken Peacock T here was a time when BC’s economy rose and sank on the fortunes of forestry. The provincial economy is now more diversified, which is a positive development. Although its relative economic footprint has diminished with the expansion of numerous other industries, the forest sector is still one of BC’s most important economic engines. Critically, forest products are the largest source of export earnings for BC. And the industry is the economic backbone of dozens of communities all across the province. FALL 2015 | page 7