The pinewood nematode is an important forest pest because it causes wilting and considerable tree mortality, particularly in Japan. It was first reported in Manitoba in 1982, although there are no cases of tree mortality in Canada. It is ranked in the first level as a potentially important pest internationally and the Scandinavian countries have restricted the importation of conifer chips and timber from countries where the pest is known to occur, a major concern of Canadian forest managers and lumber exporters. In 1985, the Forest Insect and Disease Survey began a nationwide survey to determine the distribution of the pinewood nematode. This report briefly reviews its history and biology and presents the results of the Canadian survey.