The evolution and structure of the Canadian forest product sector: an assessment of the role of foreign ownership and control

Abstract

This paper examines the role of foreign investment on the structure of the Canadian forest product sector. The paper distinguishes five broad phases in the evolution of the forest product sector during which time the nature, motivation and impacts of foreign participation has varied. Precise levels of foreign ownership are documented and the extent to which the sector may be said to be truncated is reviewed. Finally, some implications of recent Canadianization trends as they relate to the potential role of the forest product sector within an industrial strategy of the kind advocated by the Science Council of Canada are noted.