The British Columbia government has announced a nearly $21-million support program aimed at stabilizing the province’s forestry sector, as workers and employers continue to grapple with international tariffs and market disruptions.

The $20.8-million forestry workers support grant is expected to assist up to 1,400 workers, contractors and employers across the province. The funding will focus on job retention, skills training, wage subsidies and community-based projects designed to create employment and strengthen local economies.

Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said the investment comes at a critical time for the industry.

“There are serious global pressures impacting forestry workers in B.C., including unfair and punishing duties and tariffs,” Parmar said in a statement. “We’re taking action to protect jobs today.”

Focus on workforce stability

The program will be delivered in partnership with the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT), a non-profit economic development organization that works with rural and northern communities.

Funding will support a range of initiatives, including:

• rapid re-employment and skills training programs
• wage subsidies to help businesses retain workers
• community-led projects aimed at generating local jobs

The province says the grant is designed to be flexible, allowing workers and employers to combine training supports with contract opportunities, including land-based work posted through BC Bid. However, participation is not limited to provincial contracts, opening the door to a broader range of employment options.

Training tied to jobs

The initiative builds on existing labour market training programs already delivered in regions such as Kamloops, Langley, Cranbrook, Prince George and Nanaimo.

Recent programs have included youth-focused training aimed at preparing up to 120 participants for careers in natural resources. Skills training has covered field assessments, species identification, Indigenous ecological knowledge, equipment use and wildfire safety certification.

Part of broader tariff response

The forestry grant forms part of a larger federal-provincial Workforce Tariff Response initiative, which will provide $70.4 million over three years to support more than 8,000 workers in affected industries.

Government officials say the broader plan includes:

• expanded employment services through WorkBC
• community transition tables to address regional needs
• increased staffing to deliver support programs more quickly

Additional funding measures

The new grant adds to other recent forestry-sector investments, including:

• funding to help contractors purchase equipment for wildfire risk reduction
• compensation support for contractors affected by company insolvencies

Combined, these measures represent more than $30 million in targeted support for forestry workers and businesses.

The province says the goal is not only to address immediate job losses but also to help communities adapt to long-term changes in the sector by building resilience and diversifying local economies.