CBC Archives

Ask:

What role has the forest industry played in the development of the Canadian economy from the 19th century to the present?

Where do the forest industry and its subsidiary activities form an important part of the local economy?

What recent controversies or disputes involving the forest industry have had an impact on regional economies in Canada? Where?

Have students form groups to browse the topic Clearcutting and Logging: The War of the Woods on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Students will research the economic impact of the forest industry on one of the following regions: British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland. As they browse, students will use the following questions (also available on the download sheet Economic Impact Study) to guide them in preparing a regional economic impact study.

1. What are the main forest areas located in the region?
2. How important is the forest industry to the economy of the region?
3. How many people are employed by the regional forest industry?
4. How has the forest industry in the region changed since the 1950s?
5. What role have the Aboriginal People in the region played in the development of the forest industry?
6. What role have environmental activist groups played in the region?
7. How has the provincial government responded to the dispute between the forest industry and environmental groups?
8. What is the current situation of the forest industry in the region?
9. What do you think are the most important trends in the forest industry in the region? Why?

Allow groups time to research and prepare their regional economic impact study. Each group should also prepare a summary for its chosen region, highlighting the key points in the report.

Have each group present its summary to the class. Write the most important points on the board or chart paper. Conduct a debriefing activity with the class to compare and contrast the impact of the forest industry on the different regions of Canada.

Students can prepare a broadcast news report or a three- to five-minute video about the regional impact of the forest industry on a specific region of Canada.