ABSTRACT
Sustainable development is defined as a process of using resources, such as forests, to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs (Canadian Council of Forest Ministers 1995, WCED 1987). Sustainable development remains one of the key issues for the new millennium. Sustainable use of forests is particularly important to Canada. About 418 million hectares are forested in Canada; this is about half the country and 10% of the world’s forests. Canada is the worlds largest trader of forest products, with over 20% of the world trade. The forest sector contributes more than $70 billion to Canada’s GDP; forests contribute more to Canada’s balance of trade than agriculture, fisheries, mining and energy combined. Approximately 850 000 Canadians are employed in forestry and related industries, and almost 350 communities are forestry-dependent (Goodenough et al., 1999).
