An Accomplished History, An Uncertain Future: Canada’s Pulp and Paper Industry Since the Early 1800s

Canada’s status as a “New World” country with a relatively small population and abundant natural resources dictated that the pulp and paper industry arrived late, enjoyed rapid growth that propelled it into a prolonged period of international ascendancy, and then suffered a steep downturn in its fortunes, one from which its escape is hardly assured. The chapter will trace the industry’s development from the early 1800s until today, focusing in particular on corporate strategy, industry structure and the role of the government.