New multi-million dollar forestry training fund launched to support B.C. workers

“Forestry has long been a backbone industry for communities across B.C., and behind every shift in the economy are real people feeling the impact,” Campbell said. “We’re proud to be supporting the federal and provincial governments to help deliver a program that supports workers adapting to change, assists employers in retaining skilled staff and ensures communities are supported through periods of uncertainty.

Eligible employers can receive up to $1 million in funding, covering as much as 85 per cent of combined wage and training costs for employees participating in approved training programs. Funding is capped at $50,000 per employee, allowing organizations to support training for up to 20 workers through initiatives such as employer-delivered training, rapid retraining and short-term certification programs.

The program is open to forestry-sector Indigenous organizations and First Nations, incorporated businesses of any size, and non-profit organizations whose primary purpose is creating employment and economic benefits within the forestry industry, such as community forests. Organizations in other natural resource sectors may also be eligible if they are hiring and training workers displaced from forestry-related employment. The online application portal will open on July 14, and Northern Development is encouraging prospective applicants to review eligibility requirements and program guidelines ahead of submitting proposals.

The Forestry Training Fund marks the first phase of the broader Canada-B.C. Workforce Tariff Response – Forestry Grant, a $20.8-million investment from the provincial and federal governments. The grant is part of the larger Workforce Tariff Response Initiative, which includes $70.4 million in federal funding over three years to support workers and communities affected by economic pressures in the forestry sector.

B.C. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Sheila Malcolmson said the funding will help workers respond to challenges created by international market pressures.

“Forestry workers, families and communities in British Columbia are facing real uncertainty because of global tariffs and they deserve support they can count on,” Malcolmson said. “We’re funding the Northern Development Initiative Trust to help people build skills and move into new opportunities quickly.”

B.C. Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar said the initiative will help strengthen the future of the province’s forestry workforce.

“This new fund will help us train, recruit and retain forest workers into the future, as we build a working forest in B.C.,” Parmar said. “This is how we create resilience in forestry, by supporting the loggers and contractors who are in the bush, moving fibre to mills and creating healthier forests.”

Federal Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu said the partnership supports workers facing significant economic changes while helping communities remain competitive.

“Amid significant economic change, forestry workers and communities are adapting and ready to lead,” Hajdu said. “Through our partnership with British Columbia, we are supporting workers to develop in-demand skills, access new opportunities and build resilience for the future.”

More information, including application materials and program guidelines, is available through Northern Development Initiative Trust at northerndevelopment.bc.ca/forestry-training-fund.

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Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com

by Adam Berls

New multi-million dollar forestry training fund launched to support B.C. workers

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