Why we measure this
This indicator measures the economic benefits derived from harvesting timber and manufacturing forest products in the province.
Sustainable forest management includes balancing social, economic and environmental benefits from forest management activities. Full utilization of the annual allowable cut has the potential to generate more than $2.2 billion in forest product sales annually, and support nearly 12,000 direct and indirect jobs.
What is happening
In 2021, forestry was the largest industry and a major employer in northern Saskatchewan, representing approximately one per cent of the provincial gross domestic product. Forestry provides economic development and employment opportunities, resulting in improved quality of life for the people of northern Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan currently has seven large primary forest products manufacturing facilities (two pulp mills, two OSB mills, three saw mills), as well as many smaller primary and secondary forest products manufacturing facilities.
What we are doing
In 2021, the forestry sector sold $1.8 billion worth of forest products, 61 per cent of which was exported to other countries.
In 2021, the forest sector supported nearly 4,300 direct jobs.
