A recent economic study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), commissioned by the Alberta Forest Products Association, underscores how the forestry sector fuels economic activity and supports jobs in every corner of Alberta. AFPA
Key Findings
- In 2022, the forestry sector in Alberta generated $14.1 billion in economic output, creating more than 30,500 jobs and producing approximately $2.8 billion in labour income.
- Across the province, forestry contributes significantly to GDP—about $6.9 billion—with strong inter-regional linkages as raw materials, semi-finished and finished products move between communities.
Regional Impacts
- The Athabasca-Grande Prairie-Peace River Region holds the largest share of forestry’s economic activity, accounting for 57% of forestry operations in Alberta. In that region alone, operations supported over 6,200 jobs and generated $3.3 billion in economic outputs in 2022.
- Even regions with smaller forestry footprints—like Banff-Jasper—still benefit meaningfully: thousands of jobs and millions in GDP are tied to forestry operations there.
Broader Contributions
- Forestry doesn’t just support jobs—it delivers public benefit through tax revenues (over $803 million) that help fund health care, infrastructure, and essential services, and over $150 million in dues and levies to the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA).
- The sector is deeply rooted in rural and forest-dependent communities, contributing to local economies through employment, supply chains, and infrastructure. Over 70 communities in Alberta depend on forestry as a main driver of their economy.
- Sustainability and environmental stewardship are foundational to forestry operations in Alberta. The sector grows three trees for every one tree harvested and plans on a 200-year horizon so that Alberta will always have healthy forests.
