The State of Canada’s Forests Annual Report

Canada’s rich forest ecosystems offer significant environmental, social and cultural benefits, as well as numerous economic opportunities. Canadians are deeply committed to upholding these important values. Sustainable forest management (SFM) ensures these benefits are maintained for present and future generations.

Year 2023 spotlighted how the frequency and severity of wildland fires, which are impacting Canadians in unprecedented ways, are escalating due to extreme weather events such as hotter temperatures, extended drought and severe thunderstorms. Despite 125 years passing since the creation of what is now called the Canadian Forest Service (CFS), the CFS continues to learn from and evolve forestry practices to combat the challenges confronting Canada’s forests and the forest sector.

Overview

The State of Canada’s Forests: Annual Report has been a trusted and authoritative source of comprehensive information on the social, economic and environmental state of Canada’s forests and the forest sector for 34 years. Each year, the report includes thematic content about Canada’s forest sector through feature stories. To explore this year’s theme of “The evolution of forestry in Canada and the 125 years of the Canadian Forest Service,” this report:

gives an overview of the dynamism of forest research across Canada
highlights lessons learned, present and future challenges and the changes, improvements, and evolution of forest science through the eyes of current and former CFS personnel
explores the timeline and important milestones in forests, the forest sector and the evolution of the CFS’s role
describes the way Canadian forest management practices have changed toward sustainability, in particular because of improvement to scientific knowledge and shifts in values associated with forests
articulates the important role forest products play in fighting climate change.

These stories provide a snapshot of some of the historical and modern challenges, and opportunities facing Canada’s forests and the forest sector and provide insight into where the future may lead.

Forest-related statistical data and sustainability indicators are important tools

Science-based measures called sustainability indicators are helpful tools for understanding the overall condition or state of Canada’s forests. Indicators provide a way to consistently define, assess, monitor and report progress toward SFM. Reporting on sustainability indicators over time helps to ensure and promote the long-term sustainable management of our forests. They do so by:

providing reliable data and essential information on the state of and trends in Canada’s forests
highlighting any need for improvement in forest management policies and practices
supplying reliable information for discussions and initiatives related to environmental performance and trade.

The indicators included in The State of Canada’s Forests Annual Report are based on the most accurate and available data from Canada’s most trusted sources, including Statistics Canada, the National Forestry Database and the National Forest Inventory. These data and information are analyzed by a collection of Canada’s leading experts who produce the written text for each indicator in the report. The indicators, as well as the Forest statistical data section, provide governments, industry, researchers and the public with relevant context on historical trends, ongoing status and future forecasts. These indicators demonstrate Canada’s ongoing commitment to sustainably managing its forests and the forest sector.

Sustainable forest management is a process of continuous assessment, evaluation and improvement. Canada is committed to the SFM process and is assessing its current strengths, challenges and opportunities. New reporting is being developed on indicators not previously reported on a pan Canadian scale. For example, we are developing new reporting on forest-associated species diversity and on Canada’s capacity to govern, guide and support SFM through its legal and regulatory frameworks and funding programs. These new indicators will be added to future State of Canada’s Forests reports.

Canadian federal, provincial and territorial governments use two closely related criteria and indicator frameworks to define, measure, track and report on progress toward SFM in Canada. These are so closely related and so thoroughly integrated into Canadian institutional systems that both aren’t always mentioned by name when used. Internationally, we have the Montréal Process criteria and indicators. The seven criteria and 54 indicators of the Montréal Process provide a common framework for member countries to describe, monitor, assess, and report on national forest trends and progress toward SFM. They also provide a common understanding, within and across countries, of what is meant by SFM. Domestically, we have the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers’ criteria and indicators, which are an implementation of the Montréal Process criteria and indicators specifically tailored for Canada.

Sustainably managed forests contribute to global sustainable development goals

In September 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by United Nations member states, including Canada. In this plan of action, the United Nations identified 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to these goals, the Agenda includes 169 associated targets aimed at improving global sustainable development across social, economic and environmental dimensions as well as peace, governance and justice. Reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals is a step toward a shared understanding of the value of forests. The sustainability indicators in The State of Canada’s Forests reports support:

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 15 – Life on land
The United Nations’ Global Forest Goals
1. reverse forest cover loss
2. improve the benefits and livelihoods derived from forests
3. protect forests and use sustainable forest products
4. mobilize resources

Sustainability indicators

Along with 12 other countries, Canada is a member of the Montréal Process, an international working group of northern and southern hemisphere nations committed to SFM. Since 1995, member countries have used a common set of science-based criteria and indicators to measure progress toward the conservation and sustainable management of 90% of the world’s boreal and temperate forests. The indicators presented in this report are inspired by, and seek to align with, this evolving and internationally relevant framework.

How much forest does Canada have?

How do forests benefit Canadians?

How are Canada’s forests harvested sustainably?

How does the forest sector contribute to Canada’s economy?

How does disturbance shape Canada’s forests?

How is the forest sector changing?

Forest statistical data

Current statistics on various forestry-related topics including forest inventory, natural disturbances, sustainable forest management, carbon inventory as well as economic and trade data for Canada, both nationally and by province and territory.

Features

These articles and visual representations provide a snapshot of some of the current challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s forests and forest sector and provide insight into where the future may lead.