Supports for forestry workers and rural communities
Our new vision for B.C. forests includes help for those affected by old growth forest deferrals. 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.
More details are coming soon and this website will provide updated information on the help available.
Current support 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 new restrictions on harvesting old growth forests.
On Dec., 16, the Province announced it is making nearly $19 million in new funding available for the remainder of 2021-22 to provide enhanced supports to eligible workers, contractors and communities as deferrals are implemented. Details about these supports will be coming soon.
- Forest Employment Program: Creates short-term employment to help forest contractors explore new work.
- Skills Training for Job Pathways: Connects impacted workers and communities with skills training and educational opportunities for new careers.
- Community Transition Rapid Response Teams: This team will provide on-the-ground economic development and community support service, and will coordinate with ministries and organizations to ensure supports are in place for individuals and communities.
- Rural Business and Community Recovery Initiative: Recovery advisors will be in place to help create jobs, support rural businesses and communities, and support strategic decision making.
- Bridging to Retirement: Eligible workers and contractors 55 and older could receive with up to $75,000 to transition to retirement, helping to open up jobs for younger workers.
Developing new programs
The Province is also developing new programs that will support forestry workers and communities over the next three years, to be announced in the new year.
Areas of focus include developing:
- Supports for industry innovation in rural British Columbia through value-add forestry and other manufacturing
- Supports for rural infrastructure and economic development projects that create jobs and promote diversification and resilience
- Establishing an internal government office to bridge and leverage cross-ministry connections to drive forward rural economic development and diversification
Our Forests. Our Future.
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.
