The Timber Trade

From the start of the 19^th century, the timber trade expanded so much in Lower Canada that it became the primary export to the United Kingdom during this period, overtaking the export of furs. The timber trade contributed significantly to the economic growth of the colony. It supported the colonization of several regions in Lower Canada, generated many jobs and increased the influence of the British business class.

Seeing as the United Kingdom is composed of islands, much importance was given to its maritime power. It was important to keep its navy and merchant navy in good shape. Timber was needed for shipbuilding, but the United Kingdom did not have the local resources to meet its needs. Consequently, it imported the necessary timber, often from northern Europe. However, under Napoleon’s continental blockade, the United Kingdom could no longer trade with Europe. It turned instead to Lower Canada, which was covered in forest.
The United Kingdom also introduced preferential tariffs on timber. This made timber from Lower Canada cheaper for merchants than timber from other European countries. Together, the continental blockade and preferential tariffs promoted the import of timber from Lower Canada.

Most of the timber logged in Lower Canada, especially white pine and oak, was exported to the United Kingdom. It was initially shipped as squared timber (logs cut with an axe), but as technology progressed, sawmills made it possible to transform tree trunks into planks, boards and even staves (boards used to build barrels). Some of the processed timber products were also used in Lower Canada, particularly in the many shipyards that developed on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. The ships built there were then sent to the United Kingdom.

The timber trade required a large workforce, leading to the creation of new jobs in the colony. In the sawmills and camps, workers were mostly Canadiens or immigrants from the United Kingdom, especially Ireland. Jobs included lumberjacks, sawyers, squarers and carters. These workers were often farmers who earned additional income by working at logging camps during the winter. Raftsmen and log drivers were also hired during mild weather to transport the timber along the rivers to the sawmills and shipyards. However, the working conditions were difficult—and dangerous—and workers were paid low wages.

Logging camps established in certain regions, notably Mauricie, Saguenay and Outaouais, played a significant role in the development of these territories in the early 19^th century. Since massive logging operations quickly cleared the land, these areas were colonized in a short amount of time.