Supports for Forestry Workers, Communities and Businesses

Rural areas in B.C. are vital to the province's economy and well-being, driven by the dedication and resilience of the people and their communities. The Province knows there are challenges too and is committed to helping through comprehensive and targeted supports.

Current support programs and tools

For workers and contractors

• B.C. Employer Training Grant: Provides funding to impacted self-employed workers and contractors for skills training to pivot their businesses.
• WorkBC.ca: Responds to inquiries and connects employers and job seekers with the information they need to access provincial labour market programs and resources. For example:
  • WorkBC Centres | WorkBC: Has local employment services including job search resources, skills assessment, training, work experience placement and online services.
  • Job Board: Connects employers with job seekers.
  • Find Your Path: Offers personalized, interactive education and career planning tool.
  • Explore Careers: Has tools and resources to help with your career path.
  • StrongerBC future skills grant: Covers up to $3,500 for eligible short-term skills training at public post secondary institutions.
  • SkilledTradesBC pre-apprenticeship trades training: Delivers trades training and employment programs through community service providers, training providers and Indigenous communities.

For businesses and employers

• BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund: 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.
• B.C. Employer Training Grant: Provides funding to impacted self-employed workers and contractors for skills training to pivot their businesses.
• Employer Resources | WorkBC: Includes information on how to grow your business and discover resources to help you hire, train, support and keep employees.
• Resources for Businesses and Entrepreneurs: Offers resources to start, manage and grow your business in British Columbia.
• Value Added Accelerators: Supports value-added manufacturers in their respective regions. Reach out to your regional specialist by email at: VASS@gov.bc.ca.   

​For communities

• Community Workforce Response Grant (CWRG): Addresses urgent workforce challenges by providing funding to communities and sectors for cohort-based, short-term (less than 52 weeks) in-demand occupational skills training, to support unemployed or precariously employed individuals in securing sustainable employment.
• Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP): Supports rural economic development projects that promote economic capacity building, economic diversification, resilience, clean economy opportunities and infrastructure development.
• B.C. Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN): Works with First Nations to provide the tools and information needed to build successful, sustainable plans for economic development.
• Economic Development Funding and Grants: Lists financial supports for your economic development initiatives with an easy keyword search.
• Specialized Government Staff: Provides free and accessible economic development services to local governments, Indigenous communities, businesses, and economic development agencies throughout the province. They assist communities in planning and implementing economic development priorities.
• Community Transition Services: Provides on-the-ground supports after an economic disruption such as a mill closure. The team coordinates with ministries and organizations to ensure supports are in place for individuals and communities.
• B.C. Tariff Response: Focuses on growing a strong economy, finding new trade partners, protecting core services and defending workers and businesses against the U.S. unjustified tariffs.

Federal supports for forest sector workers

• Federal Support for forest sector workers and employers: The Government of Canada is protecting and strengthening sectors most affected by U.S. tariffs and is committed to helping workers gain new skills, supporting forest sector businesses as they modernize and diversify, and boosting demand for Canadian goods.
• Employment Insurance Temporary Measures: Employment and Social Development Canada extending Employment Insurance temporary measures to ensure critical income support continues for workers impacted by tariffs.