Hub Podcasts How the Canadian forestry sector is making a comeback
11 snips
Oct 7, 2025 Derek Nighbor, President and CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada, explores the resurgence of the forestry sector, refocusing it as a source of economic and social well-being. He emphasizes innovations in mass timber and modular housing, highlighting how these advancements may alleviate Canada’s housing crisis. Derek also discusses the importance of trade relationships with the U.S., the role of forestry in supporting rural and Indigenous communities, and how sustainable practices can contribute to climate goals, all while building a promising future for the industry.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Forestry Is A Linked Value Chain
- Canada’s forestry value chain begins with rigorous public-forest management and extends through sawmills to pulp, paper and bio-products.
- The sector’s interdependence means strength or weakness in one link impacts the whole industry.
Sector Scale And Renewed Opportunity
- The sector still supports roughly 200,000 direct jobs and hundreds of mills across Canada despite past decline.
- New product innovation and market diversification create real growth opportunities beyond nostalgia.
Scale Mass Timber With Policy Signals
- Support mass timber and prefab by updating building codes and scaling secondary manufacturing.
- Create predictable demand signals so mills and modular factories will invest and hire.