B.C. Allocates $875K Fund to Support Communities Hurt by Sawmill Closures

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The British Colombia government announced its decision to set aside fund to assist communities impacted by sawmill closures in the province. A total of $875,000 will be granted to as many as 11 communities. This will help affected mill workers to transition to other jobs.

According to the provincial administration, interior communities with permanent mill closures will receive $100,000, whereas those communities impacted by indefinite sawmill closures will receive $75,000. Also, a sum of $50,000 will be granted to communities affected by shift reductions.

Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests noted that the Interior forest communities have been facing unprecedented challenges. The resources allocated by the government tend to provide urgent support to communities. The funds from the community support grants will be distributed to communities through local governments, he added.

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Earlier, B.C. Premier John Horgan had assured that the government will ensure full support to workers impacted by mill closures. Horgan and Donaldson together had held meetings with several major B.C.-based sawmill CEOs. Consequently, the province had recently invested $69 million in support of B.C. forest workers.