Media Contacts

Ministry of Forests

Media Relations
Forest.Media@gov.bc.ca
250-380-8491

Backgrounders

What people are saying about supports for forestry

Sheila Malcolmson, B.C.’s Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction –

“Forestry workers, families and communities in British Columbia are facing real uncertainty because of global tariffs and they deserve support they can count on. We’re funding the Northern Development Initiative Trust to help people build skills and move into new opportunities quickly. Thank you to our federal partners for working with us to support people and strengthen British Columbian communities.”

Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario –

"Canada thrives when workers are prepared to meet current and emerging opportunities. As the global landscape is shifting rapidly and as challenges arise, this investment will ensure that workers in the forestry sector receive the support they need to thrive. This will protect local economies and build a Canada Strong for all, where nobody is left behind."

Ben Campbell, chief executive officer, Northern Development Initiative Trust –

“Administering this new funding for B.C. will result in real, positive impacts for community members who have based their livelihoods in the forestry sector. Northern Development is honoured to be administering another partner program on behalf of the Province of B.C. to increase our collective impact to residents and communities. Our mission is to stimulate entrepreneurial activity and community resiliency, and this funding program provides a new, substantial avenue to build a stronger province."

Peter Lister, executive director, Truck Loggers Association –

“The Truck Loggers Association is pleased the Ministry of Forests is taking meaningful steps to address the immediate needs of forestry contractors and workers facing ongoing challenges. This targeted support for training and retention is critical to keeping highly skilled and highly sought after forestry workers in the sector and forestry-dependent communities. While we don’t want to see our members transition out of the forest industry, building skills that allow them to take on a broader range of forestry work is a positive and practical step forward.”

Chuck Leblanc, interim president, Public and Private Workers Canada –

”With the current uncertainty in the forestry industry, our members and their communities need critical, timely supports in place to ease the pressures that many are facing. This announcement is welcome news for our forestry workers who deserve support and opportunity."

Jeff Bromley, chair, USW (United Steelworkers) Wood Council –

“This initiative is something that forestry workers who are impacted by the current turmoil that continues to affect our members in communities across B.C., sorely need. In times of crisis, workers and communities need support from the provincial government and this is a great example of that.”