Forestry workers, employers and communities across British Columbia are expected to benefit from a provincial forestry support grant aimed at helping the sector respond to tariffs and market pressures.
The $20.8-million program is designed to support up to 1,400 forestry workers, contractors and employers across British Columbia, including those in the Kootenay region, where forestry remains a key economic driver.
The funding will be delivered through the Northern Development Initiative Trust and will support worker training, wage subsidies and local projects intended to maintain employment and strengthen forest-dependent communities.
“There are serious global pressures impacting forestry workers in B.C., including unfair and punishing duties and tariffs driven by U.S. President Donald Trump,” Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said. “We are not backing down, we’re going to fight like hell to defend our forestry jobs. The new forestry workers support grant is one tool we’re taking action on right now to protect jobs today.”
Support for Kootenay communities
In the Kootenays, where mills and contractors have faced ongoing uncertainty tied to U.S. softwood lumber duties and shifting markets, the grant is expected to fund retraining, job retention efforts and community-based projects.
The province said funding could support rapid re-employment and skills training, along with wage subsidies to help local businesses retain workers and adapt to changing conditions.
Community-led projects in the region may also receive support to create jobs and diversify local economies.
Some land-based and operational contracts will be available through BC Bid, with opportunities for contractors in the Kootenays to access project work alongside training or wage supports.
The program is not limited to Crown land or BC Bid projects, allowing workers and businesses in the region to pursue a wider range of employment opportunities.
Training and workforce transition
The grant is also intended to help workers remain employed or find new opportunities through local projects and programs.
The province said it has completed labour market training programs in wildfire and integrated natural resources in Kamloops, Langley, Cranbrook, Prince George and Nanaimo.
Youth-focused programming has trained up to 120 young people for employment in the natural resources sector. Training included field assessment skills, species identification, Indigenous ecological knowledge, tool operation, and certification in wildfire suppression and safety.
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