Our new vision for B.C. forests includes help for those affected by changes to the forestry industry. The Province will provide coordinated and comprehensive supports for workers by looking at how we can improve existing programs and through the development of new programs.
The Province is bringing together co-ordinated and comprehensive supports for workers, communities and First Nations to offset any economic impacts that may follow from changes to the forestry industry.
As part of Budget 2022, the Province announced it is providing more than $185 million over the next three years to provide enhanced supports to forest workers and contractors, communities, First Nations, and businesses affected by changes to the forestry industry.
Creates short-term employment to help forest contractors explore new work.
Forestry mill workers and employees of contractors 55 and older affected by old growth deferral decisions, fibre shortages, and pauses in BC Timber sales can apply to receive up to $75,000 to transition to retirement, opening up jobs for younger workers.
Connects impacted workers with skills training and educational opportunities for new careers.
This program supports rural economic development projects that promote economic capacity building, economic diversification, resilience, clean economy opportunities and infrastructure development.
This program helps manufacturing companies modernize, innovate, and grow by providing funding for capital projects in all regions in B.C., particularly in communities affected by economic impacts or downturns.
Through the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior, Island Coastal Economic Trust and Northern Development, recovery advisors were in place in 2021 to help create jobs, support rural businesses and communities, and support strategic decision making. Details on more programming coming soon.
This team will provide on-the-ground economic development and community support service, provide in-community support and will coordinate with ministries and organizations to ensure supports are in place for individuals and communities.
The Community Workforce Response Grant helps communities and sectors support in-demand skills training for secure and sustainable employment for British Columbians.
The Employer Training Grant helps employers provide employees the skills they need to succeed in the labour market.
The Province is also developing new programs that will support forestry workers and communities over the next three years.
We’re changing how we manage B.C. forests by taking better care of old growth forests, making communities and smaller businesses a priority, and working in partnership with First Nations.
