Pulp and Paper Industry Major Players in Provincial Economy

By 250 News

The Pulp and Paper Industry  Task Force in B.C. (an industry co-op made up of  all 20  pulp and paper companies operating in B.C.)  has released a report which  shows just how important their industry is to the province.

The report, prepared  by  PriceWaterhouseCoopers, illustrates the economic impact of the industry.

Highlights include:

• B.C.’s pulp and paper sector contributes $4 billion in economic benefits to the province each year
• Provides 10,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs for British Columbians
• Contributes $600 million in revenues to all levels of  government each year
• Pulp and paper contributes $1.5 billion to the solid wood sector
• Since 1990, the pulp and paper sector has reduced its GHG emissions by 62 per cent

"While B.C.’s pulp and paper sector is at a crossroads with respect to its future prospects, the study shows that the industry is vitally important to our provincial economy," said David Gandossi, Chair of the B.C. Pulp and Paper Task Force. "As our industry prepares to tackle its challenges, we felt an important first step was to get an  independent assessment of pulp and paper’s impact on our provincial economy."

The report shows that B.C.’s pulp and paper sector is a major economic engine for communities throughout the province. With an annual industry payroll of $1 billion, pulp and paper is the second highest paying industry in the province.

The task force will be releasing a follow-up report in January 2008 that outlines the challenges and opportunities facing the pulp and paper industry in B.C. and the steps needed to put the industry on the path to renewal.

  

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