Saskatchewan Celebrates Forest Week with Focus on Renewal and Opportunity

Released on September 20, 2021

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed September 19 to 25 National Forest Week, with the theme, 'Our Forests' Continually Giving.' The week will highlight the important role that provincial forests play, both in terms of the economy and environmental sustainability.  

"Our forestry sector is a key economic driver that creates long-term employment and business opportunities," Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre said. "The government of Saskatchewan's recent announcements of timber allocations for new mills and expansions will increase production, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and help us reach our Growth Plan goals to double the forestry sector by 2030."

Earlier this month, timber allocations were awarded to four facilities in northern Saskatchewan, including One Sky Forest Products (One Sky), which is set to build a new Oriented Strand Board (OSB) mill in Prince Albert. The project, which also features significant equity investment by Indigenous communities, is expected to create over 700 jobs in northern Saskatchewan. 

Another provincial timber allocation will support the reopening of the Paper Excellence pulp mill in Prince Albert, which is expected to create over 1,650 jobs and also enhance Indigenous economic and labour development opportunities. 

Other allocations support the expansion of the Dunkley Lumber sawmill in Carrot River and increased production at the Carrier Forest Products sawmill in Big River.

"Saskatchewan's forests contribute to our quality of life in many important ways," Environment Minister Warren Kaeding said. "Sustainably managed and healthy forests will continue to provide ecological and economic benefits for generations to come."

Forested land covers 34 million hectares in Saskatchewan, more than half the province. Every spring, approximately seven million trees are planted in Saskatchewan. 

"There is a lot to celebrate for this year's Forest Week with the recent timber allocation announcements", Saskatchewan Rivers MLA and Legislative Secretary for Forestry Nadine Wilson said. "The positive trend for opportunity and growth in our province's forestry sector will benefit many people across the province including in my riding."

Forestry is northern Saskatchewan's largest sector, supporting 8,000 jobs and hundreds of businesses.  In 2020, the industry produced more than $1.1 billion in sales, an increase of nearly 30 per cent compared to the previous year.

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