Forestry and Forest Products (NAICS 113, 1153, 321, 322): Prairies, 2024
Highlights
- In Manitoba, the forestry and logging sector's economic contribution fell from 0.11% in 2000 to nearly nonexistent by 2023. Similarly, the wood product manufacturing sector declined from 0.54% in 2000 to a much lower percentage by 2023. Between 2021 and 2022, forestry and logging jobs grew by 5.56%, wood product manufacturing jobs by 11.9%, and paper manufacturing jobs by 1.4%.
- In Saskatchewan, forestry and logging initially grew, peaking at 0.51% in 2002, then declined, turning negative by 2023. Conversely, wood product manufacturing showed resilience, growing from 2020 onwards. Job-wise, forestry and logging increased by 2.3%, wood product manufacturing by 6.7%, and paper manufacturing by 6.4%.
- Alberta's forestry sector has remained stable in its economic contribution from 2000 to 2023. The wood product manufacturing sector experienced slight fluctuations but remains significant. Employment in forestry and logging increased by 0.72%, wood product manufacturing by 4.3%, and paper manufacturing by 5.9%.
About the Sector
Composition and importance of the sector
The NAICS codes 113, 1153, 321, and 322 represent different stages in the wood production supply chain:
- NAICS Code 113 (Forestry and Logging) are businesses focused on growing and harvesting timber.
- NAICS Code 1153 (Support Activities for Forestry) are companies providing support services to the forestry industry.
- NAICS Code 321 (Wood Product Manufacturing) represents manufacturers of a wide range of wood products.
- NAICS Code 322 (Paper Manufacturing) includes companies that make paper from pulp and those that create products from paper.
Overall, while each province has its unique challenges and strengths within these industries, Alberta appears to have maintained or grown its forestry sector better than Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The paper manufacturing industry is struggling across all three provinces, with Saskatchewan experiencing the most pronounced declines as a contributor to GDP.
Manitoba GDP
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry and logging (NAICS 113) | 24.0 | 24.6 | 23.6 | 26.8 | 22.3 | 24.4 | 24.1 | 17.5 | 19.6 | 18.5 | 20.3 |
| Support activities for forestry (NAICS 1153) | 43.4 | 56.3 | 41.8 | 50.7 | 39.1 | 38.0 | 36.7 | 34.3 | 34.2 | 32.1 | 32.5 |
| Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321) | 192.0 | 165.8 | 147.2 | 179.7 | 166.4 | 161.6 | 177.1 | 183.6 | 213.1 | 240.8 | 273.3 |
| Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322) | 124.6 | 132.0 | 137.3 | 132.3 | 137.6 | 138.4 | 130.6 | 142.4 | 145.8 | 148.2 | 133.3 |
* Chained (2017) dollars
Source: Statistics Canada, Gross Domestic Product by Industry - Provincial and Territorial (Annual)
Manitoba's forestry sector integrates the procurement of raw timber and its transformation into finished wood and paper goods. This sector has been part of the economic fabric of Canada since the 19th century. However, Manitoba's economy is multifaceted, with the impact of the forestry sector on the province's GDP being significant but not as dominant as other industries such as manufacturing and services.
From 2000 to 2022, Manitoba's GDP has shown diverse growth patterns, with contributions from a mix of industries. While the province's forestry sector has been affected by global market conditions and trade disputes, including the Canada-US Softwood Lumber Trade Dispute, Manitoba's varied economy has enabled it to mitigate these impacts. The province's GDP growth reflects its economic adaptability and the less pronounced role of softwood lumber exports.
Saskatchewan GDP
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry and logging (NAICS 113) | 34.4 | 38.8 | 41.0 | 48.8 | 47.4 | 54.1 | 43.2 | 37.9 | 50.4 | 47.4 | 36.9 |
| Support activities for forestry (NAICS 1153) | 95.1 | 83.3 | 90.3 | 82.7 | 81.8 | 82.4 | 91.1 | 87.8 | 90.1 | 79.2 | 84.0 |
| Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321) | 171.1 | 204.6 | 222.3 | 237.8 | 238.2 | 241.7 | 253.8 | 288.4 | 392.5 | 359.2 | 281.6 |
| Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322) | 50.6 | 56.8 | 51.1 | 73.2 | 76.5 | 74.5 | 69.1 | 72.8 | 61.4 | 59.6 | 50.4 |
* Chained (2017) dollars
Source: Statistics Canada, Gross Domestic Product by Industry - Provincial and Territorial (Annual)
Saskatchewan's forestry sector, while smaller than that of some other provinces, is vital to the local economy, facilitating the transition from raw timber to processed wood and paper products. Though the industry has historical significance in Canada, its direct impact on Saskatchewan's GDP is relatively modest, as the province's economy is diversified with more emphasis on agriculture and mining.
Saskatchewan's GDP has seen steady growth from 2000 to 2022, with the forestry sector contributing to this trajectory alongside more dominant sectors like agriculture, mining, and oil and gas. The province has been somewhat insulated from the direct effects of trade disputes such as the Canada-US Softwood Lumber Trade Dispute, thanks to its diversified economy and a less significant focus on softwood lumber exports.
Alberta GDP
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry and logging (NAICS 113) | 414.4 | 453.3 | 455.2 | 438.8 | 429.5 | 439.4 | 414.4 | 354.8 | 429.3 | 425.5 | 375.4 |
| Support activities for forestry (NAICS 1153) | 192.2 | 206.0 | 197.4 | 177.0 | 183.6 | 210.8 | 190.7 | 168.4 | 152.2 | 163.1 | 174.7 |
| Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321) | 1,773.0 | 1,703.6 | 1,676.7 | 1,693.4 | 1,706.6 | 1,674.8 | 1,756.7 | 1,889.0 | 2,131.0 | 2,147.2 | 1,924.5 |
| Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322) | 594.9 | 661.2 | 707.0 | 707.4 | 623.8 | 589.8 | 575.3 | 579.3 | 617.7 | 595.2 | 502.2 |
* Chained (2017) dollars
Source: Statistics Canada, Gross Domestic Product by Industry - Provincial and Territorial (Annual)
The forestry sector in Alberta is a substantial component of the provincial economy, extending from the harvesting of raw materials to the production of refined wood and paper products. While historically, the timber industry has contributed significantly to Canada's GDP, Alberta's economy has become more diverse. The forestry sector continues to play a role but is complemented by the province's strong energy sector, among others.
Between 2000 and 2022, Alberta's GDP has demonstrated resilience and diversity, despite global economic fluctuations. The province has not been as directly affected by the Canada-US Softwood Lumber Trade Dispute as British Columbia, given its lower reliance on softwood lumber exports. Alberta's economy has traditionally been more closely tied to the energy sector, but the forestry industry remains an important economic contributor, leveraging its resources to support both domestic needs and international trade.
Geographical distribution of employment
Economic Regions, Manitoba
| Economic Regions, Manitoba | Employment (x 1,000), 2023 | Sector (NAICS 113, 1153, 321, 322) Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast, Manitoba | 0.6 | 13.27% |
| South Central and North Central, Manitoba | -* | -* |
| Southwest, Manitoba | -* | -* |
| Winnipeg, Manitoba | 2.2 | 51.25% |
| Interlake, Manitoba | -* | -* |
| Parklands and North, Manitoba | 0.8 | 18.34% |
Economic Regions, Saskatchewan
| Economic Regions, Saskatchewan | Employment (x 1,000), 2023 | Sector (NAICS 113, 1153, 321, 322) Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Regina-Moose Mountain, Saskatchewan | -* | -* |
| Swift Current-Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan | -* | -* |
| Saskatoon-Biggar, Saskatchewan | -* | -* |
| Yorkton-Melville, Saskatchewan | -* | -* |
| Prince Albert and Northern, Saskatchewan | 1.7 | 69.96% |
Economic Regions, Alberta
| Economic Regions, Alberta | Employment (x 1,000), 2023 | Sector (NAICS 113, 1153, 321, 322) Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Lethbridge-Medicine Hat, Alberta | -* | -* |
| Camrose-Drumheller, Alberta | -* | -* |
| Calgary, Alberta | 3.2 | 17.13% |
| Banff-Jasper-Rocky Mountain House and Athabasca-Grande Prairie-Peace River, Alberta | 10.0 | 54.21% |
| Red Deer, Alberta | -* | -* |
| Edmonton, Alberta | 3.0 | 16.20% |
| Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake, Alberta | -* | -* |
-* suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act
Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, ESDC custom table
Workforce
Workforce characteristics
Comparatively, Alberta generally exhibited more stability or growth in forestry-related industries compared to Manitoba and Saskatchewan, which faced significant challenges in paper manufacturing sectors. The forestry and logging sector was more stable or growing in Alberta and Saskatchewan compared to Manitoba.
Employment in paper manufacturing sectors (both pulp, paper, and paperboard mills, and converted paper product manufacturing) faced declines across all provinces, with Saskatchewan showing the most significant downturns. Veneer, plywood, and engineered wood product manufacturing in Saskatchewan showed signs of recovery towards the end of the period, unlike the steady decline or volatility seen in other sectors.
In Manitoba, the forestry and logging sector experienced a significant decline in job numbers, dropping from 700 in 2000 to 285 in 2022, which represents a decrease of approximately 59.29%. Similarly, the support activities for forestry sector saw its job numbers decrease by around 28.1%, from 605 in 2000 to 435 in 2022. The wood product manufacturing sector faced a pronounced reduction in jobs, with numbers falling from 5,280 in 2000 to 2,775 in 2022, marking a 47.44% decrease. The paper manufacturing sector also experienced a decline, with jobs decreasing from 2,635 in 2000 to 1,445 in 2022, a drop of about 45.16%.
Manitoba
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry and logging (NAICS 113) | 330 | 315 | 290 | 245 | 275 | 275 | 265 | 255 | 270 | 285 | 275 |
| Support activities for forestry (NAICS 1153) | 485 | 520 | 505 | 535 | 485 | 490 | 445 | 425 | 445 | 435 | 420 |
| Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321) | 2,640 | 2,480 | 2,270 | 2,505 | 2,485 | 2,435 | 2,505 | 2,140 | 2,480 | 2,775 | 2,850 |
| Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322) | 1,150 | 1,245 | 1,240 | 1,275 | 1,290 | 1,335 | 1,365 | 1,385 | 1,425 | 1,445 | 1,535 |
* The estimate of the total number of jobs covers two main categories: paid workers jobs and self-employed jobs.
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry and logging (NAICS 113) | 24.82 | 25.95 | 25.71 | 27.20 | 26.58 | 27.57 | 28.84 | 29.37 | 29.34 | 32.63 | 33.64 |
| Support activities for forestry (NAICS 1153) | 31.85 | 32.74 | 37.40 | 36.16 | 37.50 | 38.95 | 40.81 | 42.88 | 42.97 | 46.57 | 48.95 |
| Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321) | 26.27 | 25.79 | 27.21 | 26.83 | 27.48 | 27.05 | 26.27 | 29.02 | 28.31 | 30.42 | 32.40 |
| Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322) | 43.15 | 43.19 | 41.57 | 41.60 | 41.84 | 40.21 | 43.39 | 44.20 | 42.14 | 46.50 | 47.70 |
* Current prices. The ratio between total compensation for all jobs, and the number of hours worked.
Saskatchewan
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry and logging (NAICS 113) | 340 | 410 | 430 | 440 | 395 | 380 | 375 | 380 | 435 | 445 | 455 |
| Support activities for forestry (NAICS 1153) | 860 | 910 | 890 | 895 | 895 | 905 | 935 | 925 | 985 | 990 | 990 |
| Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321) | 1,630 | 1,460 | 1,685 | 1,745 | 1,760 | 1,790 | 1,825 | 1,595 | 2,010 | 2,145 | 2,200 |
| Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322) | 225 | 240 | 270 | 280 | 290 | 290 | 310 | 270 | 235 | 250 | 265 |
* The estimate of the total number of jobs covers two main categories: paid workers jobs and self-employed jobs.
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry and logging (NAICS 113) | 28.39 | 30.58 | 30.17 | 28.00 | 28.05 | 27.72 | 27.29 | 30.77 | 29.37 | 29.62 | 29.36 |
| Support activities for forestry (NAICS 1153) | 37.23 | 36.88 | 40.71 | 39.54 | 39.27 | 40.59 | 38.61 | 42.36 | 40.43 | 41.75 | 44.46 |
| Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321) | 35.08 | 37.00 | 36.01 | 35.00 | 34.77 | 32.87 | 33.12 | 38.67 | 38.86 | 41.10 | 40.69 |
| Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322) | 53.53 | 53.55 | 51.89 | 49.65 | 51.10 | 52.30 | 49.81 | 54.10 | 55.41 | 59.12 | 60.94 |
* Current prices. The ratio between total compensation for all jobs, and the number of hours worked.
Alberta
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry and logging (NAICS 113) | 2,620 | 2,440 | 2,670 | 2,935 | 3,025 | 3,135 | 2,870 | 3,075 | 3,475 | 3,500 | 3,300 |
| Support activities for forestry (NAICS 1153) | 1,555 | 1,665 | 1,715 | 1,815 | 1,820 | 1,815 | 2,030 | 1,640 | 1,800 | 1,820 | 1,875 |
| Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321) | 10,090 | 9,740 | 9,455 | 9,975 | 9,185 | 9,360 | 9,220 | 8,735 | 9,735 | 10,150 | 9,985 |
| Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322) | 2,935 | 2,980 | 3,020 | 3,030 | 2,695 | 2,820 | 2,430 | 2,680 | 2,800 | 2,965 | 2,870 |
* The estimate of the total number of jobs covers two main categories: paid workers jobs and self-employed jobs.
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry and logging (NAICS 113) | 44.42 | 46.65 | 48.26 | 38.87 | 42.62 | 43.19 | 40.91 | 43.71 | 40.81 | 40.54 | 38.89 |
| Support activities for forestry (NAICS 1153) | 38.32 | 42.67 | 45.89 | 41.14 | 41.91 | 38.20 | 43.02 | 45.69 | 44.75 | 44.83 | 52.79 |
| Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321) | 45.05 | 45.29 | 46.52 | 46.40 | 45.53 | 46.64 | 46.73 | 52.39 | 48.94 | 54.71 | 54.38 |
| Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322) | 62.67 | 65.56 | 66.85 | 59.61 | 64.72 | 64.59 | 67.43 | 69.81 | 66.46 | 71.93 | 68.83 |
* Current prices. The ratio between total compensation for all jobs, and the number of hours worked.
| Forestry and logging (NAICS 113) | |
| Support activities for forestry (NAICS 1153) | |
| Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321) | |
| Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322) |
Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Productivity Measures - Provinces and Territories (Annual)
The total compensation in these sectors tells a different story. For forestry and logging, compensation increased from $26,334 thousand in 2000 to $18,833 thousand in 2022, indicating that while fewer people were employed, the overall value of their labor increased. The support activities for forestry sector saw an increase in total compensation from $24,967 thousand in 2000 to $37,517 thousand in 2022, suggesting that the industry might be moving towards more specialized and higher-valued services. Although specific compensation figures for wood product manufacturing and paper manufacturing were not fully provided, the general trend indicates fluctuations with tendencies toward recovery or growth in compensation by 2022.
This analysis reveals several critical insights. Firstly, the decline in job numbers across all sectors could be attributed to advancements in technology, leading to more efficient practices that require fewer workers, or possibly due to shifts in global demand and environmental sustainability efforts affecting the forestry and paper industries. However, the increase in compensation across these sectors suggests an industry shift towards more specialized skills and possibly efforts to retain talent amidst decreasing job numbers. This complex relationship between job numbers and compensation reflects broader trends within the forestry and wood manufacturing industries towards efficiency, specialization, and sustainability.
Occupations of Interest
Manitoba
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (NOC 72400) | 2.2 | 1.9 | 2.5 | 2.8 | 2.6 | 2.5 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.8 | 3.5 | 3.1 |
Saskatchewan
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (NOC 72400) | 3.2 | 3.0 | 4.6 | 3.4 | 2.7 | 3.2 | 3.3 | 2.3 | 3.1 | 3.0 | 3.4 |
Alberta
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (NOC 72400) | 11.0 | 9.8 | 10.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 9.0 | 12.9 | 11.1 | 14.5 | 11.0 | 12.8 |
Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, ESDC custom table
From 2023 to 2025, Millwrights and Industrial Instrument Technicians and Mechanics in Manitoba (moderate), Saskatchewan (good), and Alberta (good) are expected to see moderate to good job prospects due to retirements, aging workforce, and technological advancements. Despite inflationary pressures, infrastructure initiatives are expected to sustain employment levels. Nationwide, around 35,900 openings are anticipated between 2022 and 2031, driven by retirements, an aging workforce, and technological advancements in machinery. In Alberta, millwrights are integral to the wood product sector, representing 8% of the industry's workforce. Despite inflationary pressures, infrastructure initiatives are likely to sustain employment levels, with most workers (64%) employed year-round.
Recent History
Over the last five years, the forestry and wood manufacturing sectors in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have seen significant shifts, driven by constraints on their use of abundant forestry resources. This period witnessed a strategic move towards producing higher-value wood products, a trend also observed in British Columbia. This transition has been partially due to changes in global market dynamics and the lingering impact of the 2006 US-Canada Softwood Lumber Agreement's expiration, prompting a diversification in wood product manufacturing to include products like veneer, plywood, and engineered wood.
Looking ahead to the next five years, these sectors are expected to continue their innovation and technology use to remain competitive. They are set to align with international sustainability standards and cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly products. Such advancements are anticipated to drive economic growth and enhance their international market presence. Furthermore, the industry's evolution is likely to generate demand for workers skilled in advanced manufacturing, sustainability practices, and innovation, addressing global trade challenges. The move towards more value-added wood products is expected to create new employment opportunities and improve job prospects, assuming the industry adapts, and the workforce is prepared to enhance its skills.
Employment Outlook
For all regions, adopting sustainable forestry practices and integrating advanced manufacturing technologies can drive future growth. Furthermore, diversifying into high-value products like specialized papers or engineered wood products could provide resilience against market fluctuations. Collaborative efforts between government, industry, and academic institutions could foster innovation and market expansion.
Employment Trends, Manitoba
| Economic Regions, Manitoba | Employment (x 1,000), 2023 | Growth Trends | Growth Trends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast, Manitoba | 0.6 | This region has a balanced distribution across the three sectors, with a notable tilt towards wood product manufacturing. Potential for growth in wood products, especially if linked to construction and housing markets. Investments in sustainable practices could boost the sector further. | increase |
| Winnipeg, Manitoba | 2.2 | Winnipeg shows a significant concentration of employment, particularly in paper manufacturing. Given the existing infrastructure and the sector's size, expect steady growth in paper manufacturing, potentially expanding into related sectors like packaging solutions, driven by urban demand. | increase |
| Parklands and North, Manitoba | 0.8 | Strong presence in paper manufacturing. If infrastructure can be improved, there's potential for significant growth in paper manufacturing, possibly serving broader markets beyond Manitoba. | increase |
| Southwest, South Central and North Central, Interlake | -* | These regions have relatively lower employment figures in these sectors. Targeted investments in specific sub-sectors where each region has a base, possibly focusing on niche markets or specialized wood products, could help in slowly building these sectors. | unchanged |
Employment Trends, Saskatchewan
| Economic Regions, Saskatchewan | Employment (x 1,000), 2023 | Growth Trends | Growth Trends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Albert & Northern, Saskatchewan | 1.7 | Dominant in all three sectors, with a substantial focus on forestry. With sustainable management, this region could expand further into forestry-related industries, possibly bioenergy, leveraging its forestry base. | increase |
| Regina-Moose Mountain, Saskatoon-Biggar | 0.6 | Modest employment figures but showing some activity in wood product and paper manufacturing. Investments in technology and infrastructure could help these regions diversify and expand their manufacturing bases, especially in wood products. | unchanged |
| Swift Current-Moose Jaw, Yorkton-Melville | -* | Limited or no employment in these sectors. Potential for development is minimal unless new investments or government incentives are introduced to kickstart industrial activities. | unchanged |
Employment Trends, Alberta
| Economic Regions, Alberta | Employment (x 1,000), 2023 | Growth Trends | Growth Trends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary, Alberta | 3.2 | These are the powerhouses of Alberta in these sectors, particularly in paper and wood product manufacturing. Expected to maintain and even increase their lead in the Canadian market, especially with ongoing urban growth and related demands. Potential for exporting to international markets could be explored. | increase |
| Edmonton, Alberta | 3.0 | increase | |
| Banff-Jasper-Rocky Mountain House and Athabasca-Grand Prairie-Peace River, Alberta | 10.0 | increase | |
| Lethbridge-Medicine Hat, Alberta | -* | Moderate presence, particularly in wood product manufacturing. Could become a regional hub for wood products if linked with agricultural developments and bio-product innovations. | unchanged |
| Camrose-Drumheller, Red Deer, Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake | -* | Smaller industrial bases in the sectors considered. Growth will likely be slow unless specific strategies are employed, such as developing niche markets or enhancing logistic capabilities to support larger industrial hubs. | unchanged |
-* suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act
Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey
Alberta has higher employment figures compared to Manitoba and Saskatchewan, indicating a robust industrial sector, especially in wood product and paper manufacturing. Specific regions within each province specialize in particular industries. For example, Winnipeg in Manitoba accounts for over 51% of sector employment, Prince Albert & Northern region in Saskatchewan for nearly 70%, and Banff-Jasper-Rocky Mountain House in Alberta for over 54%, primarily due to paper manufacturing. Each province has its strengths: Manitoba shows balanced sector distribution, Saskatchewan has a weaker presence in paper manufacturing, and Alberta is focused on wood product and paper manufacturing.
The significant employment figures in Alberta's wood product and paper manufacturing sectors likely reflect the province's abundant forestry resources and established industrial capacity. In contrast, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, while also having forestry resources, might not have as expansive or as developed industrial bases in these sectors. Regions like Calgary and Edmonton in Alberta benefit from better infrastructure and proximity to both raw materials and markets, which could explain their higher employment figures compared to more rural or less economically diverse regions in the other provinces.
Given the current data and trends, Alberta is likely to continue dominating the forestry and manufacturing sectors among these provinces, especially with ongoing investments in infrastructure and technology in urban centers like Calgary and Edmonton. Efforts might be focused on diversifying the economic base in regions like Winnipeg and Prince Albert, which already show a significant share of employment. This could involve enhancing technological adoption and improving market access.
Note: In preparing this document, the authors have taken care to provide clients with labour market information that is timely and accurate at the time of publication. Since labour market conditions are dynamic, some of the information presented here may have changed since this document was published. Users are encouraged to also refer to other sources for additional information on the local economy and labour market. Information contained in this document does not necessarily reflect official policies of Employment and Social Development Canada.
Prepared by: Labour Market Information Directorate, Service Canada - Western Canada and Territories (W-T) Region
For further information, please contact the Labour Market Information Directorate here.
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