Canadian Forest Industries Contractor Survey for 2020 Shows Improvements but Headwinds Remain

Compared to the initial, 2016, Canadian Forest Industries Contractor Survey and the subsequent B.C. provincial governments Logging Contractor Sustainability Review, which outlined proposals to improve relationships between the contractors and mills, things, at least on the surface appear to be much better in 2020. For example, logging rates have improved according to nearly half of all of the Coastal contractors, revenues are up too, and more younger people are working in the industry. But some headwinds remain, such as higher operating costs, which lead to low profit margins, and regulatory issues including export policies and stumpage fees. These issues will need to be addressed to ensure the situation on the Coast improves for all contractors, not just the big players.