BC’s Forests Minister says the province has reallocated money from several ministries to pay for newly-announced programs to support forestry workers in the B.C. Interior.

Some municipalities have raised concerns about the suspension of the Rural Dividend Fund (RDF) this year, but Doug Donaldson says it will return next year.

“Rural dividend applications will be retained and the funding decisions will be made at a later date, when the Rural Dividend funding program is reinstated,” he said, while speaking on the NL Morning News. “Right now it’s temporarily suspended, but Vavenby and Clearwater are the kinds of communities at the front of the line for the $69 million program.”

Critics including Kamloops North MLA Peter Milobar say the government is robbing Peter to pay Paul in this situation.

But Donaldson says while he understands that some communities are upset, others note it’s important to help those affected by the forestry crisis.

“It takes a lot of work to put those applications in,” Donaldson added. “That’s why we’re making sure that they’re in the hopper for the next funding tranche that will happen in 2020/2021. But I’ve also heard understanding from those communities about the unprecedented economic situation faced by Interior communities.”

The B.C. Rural Dividend is a $25 million fund that aims to helps communities of 25,000 people or less “strengthen and diversify their local economies,” according to the government’s website.

With over 300 applications this year, Donaldson was asked if the government is concerned with two years worth of applicants, chasing one year’s worth of funding.

“There’s always an oversubscription for the applicants and I know how important that program is for communities,” Donaldson noted, saying the applications this year totalled about $36 million. “I also know that people understand we have a short term need that’s going to be keeping workers in communities that have been most impacted by this unprecedented economic situation facing the Forest Sector.”

He also noted that the government will work with communities who’ve applied this year, to see if there are other ways to fund those projects.

 

@MikeSmythNews @robshaw_vansun Listened to your podcast on the Forestry relief funding of 69m. Are you aware it’s a reallocation of Rural Dividend Funds? They haven’t added anything. This will affect applied for rural initiatives. #wouldtheydothistothebigcities #idontthinkso pic.twitter.com/AVOGGqJhpt

— Gaby Wickstrom (@GabyWickstrom) September 21, 2019