Prince George, B.C. - The Community Development Trust has $129 million in funding between three programs, to assist forestry workers over a three year period ending March 31, 2011.

 

The programs are focused on workers directly employed in the forest industry whose primary employment is in the harvesting, hauling or manufacturing of wood fibre.

 

Tuition Assistance, of up to $5000, is available for courses offered at designated private and public post-secondary schools to encourage workers to upgrade their skills and knowledge while on layoff, expected to be four months or longer. Applications accepted until 31 March 2011. 

 

Transition to Retirement is funding up to $60,000 to ease the financial burden and provide options to workers 55 years and older. Application period for this program runs from June 16^th to August 15^th, 2008. 

 

Job Opportunities creates new employment in forest dependent communities that have experienced significant economic impacts. The work is to reduce the impact of the job loss in the community and offer alternative work to unemployed forest workers. An organization, contractor, licensee, company or individual can partner with communities to apply for the funding through an Expression of Interest. Eligible activities include ecosystem or range restoration, invasive plant management, roadside brushing, fuel management, silviculture treatments in urban areas and community forests, and maintenance of recreation sites and trails. 

 

Information sessions are being held in three different communities this week:

 

July 16 Smithers:         Organized by MP Nathan Cullen’s office in Smithers call

 

July 17 Burns Lake:      Contact MP office 250-877-4140

 

July 18 Prince George:  CNC Cafeteria 10am to 12:00pm  (People are asked to call and register 1-877-238-8882, the

                                   Cafeteria will hold 300 people).

 

For more information on the Community Development Trust and these programs, visit the website at: www.gov.bc.ca click on the Forestry Worker Assistance button - OR -call 1-877-238-8882