Northern Development Initiative Trust announces new forestry training fund

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT)  has announced a funding program designed to build up the forestry industry.

The Canada/B.C. Workforce Tariff Response Forestry Grant: Forestry Training Fund was announced in a press release on Tuesday, July 7.

Worth approximately $6.9 million, the program aims to “support workforce needs” province-wide by “enabling the recruitment, training and retention of individuals within the demonstrated labour market.”

NDIT chief executive officer Ben Campbell says the organization is “proud” to support both governments at the federal and provincial levels to “support workers adapting to change.”

Campbell described the province’s forestry industry as a “backbone” for communities in B.C.

“Behind every shift in the economy are real people feeling the impact,” said Campbell in the press release.

 “We are proud to be supporting the federal and provincial governments to help deliver a program that supports workers adapting to change, assists employers in retaining skilled staff and ensures communities are supported through periods of uncertainty.”

Under the program, workers will receive re-skilling to pivot into in-demand occupations, along with training that prevents layoffs and supports retention, at a maximum of $1 million for each employer applicant.

The statement says that sum will provide up to 85 per cent of an eligible staff’s combined wage and training costs over the re-training period to a maximum of $50,000 per employee, working out to 20 employees per organization that may include re-training, employer-delivered training or short-term certification.

Additionally, support for forestry contractors and small operators will allow them to diversify into larger-scale and local infrastructure projects aligned with “emerging opportunities,” according to the release.

The forestry industry has been in a state of flux for several years, particularly in northeast B.C.

A recent article by Industry Works suggested that 21 mills – including those in Peace region communities – have shut down since 2023.

Recently, the Canfor sawmill in Fort St. John was purchased by Alberta-based Rocky Mountain Salvage, with plans to convert the facility.