The provincial government is providing money to 11 Interior communities to help with the delivery of transition services and supports to B.C. mill workers who have been affected by permanent or indefinite mill closures or shift reductions.
"The challenges facing Interior forest communities are unprecedented, and that's why we are getting these resources where they are most urgently needed," says Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, in a news release.
"Funds from these community support grants are going directly to the local governments, as they have first-hand knowledge of what supports are most needed in their communities."
The Regional District of Fraser Fort George Area C, which includes Isle Pierre, is receiving $50,000.
The funding comes from the Community Support Grants Program (CSGP). Interior communities with permanent mill closures are eligible for $100,000; communities with indefinite mill closures are eligible for $75,000, and communities with permanent shift reductions are eligible for $50,000. Communities may use CSGP funding to provide transition and support services for affected forestry workers.
Canfor's Isle Pierre Sawmill, nearly 50 km west of downtown Prince George, permanently eliminated one shift in July 2019.
Other communities that received funding include Merritt ($50,000), Fort St. James, Fort St. John, Mackenzie, 100 Mile House and the Regional District of East Kootenay Area B (Jaffray). The latter five are each receiving $75,000, while Clinton, Clearwater, Quesnel and Kelowna are getting $100,000.
"Our government is working hard to make sure the supports are in place for contractors, workers and communities," says Ravi Kahlon, Parliamentary Secretary for Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, in the release.
"For me, this situation is very personal, having experienced first-hand the challenges families face when a local mill closes or reduces shifts. I understand the struggles many are facing in these communities."
