BC Finance Minister Carole James says the provincial forest industry is going through tough times, and blamed the mountain pine beetle, wildfires, and the softwood lumber dispute for causing mill curtailments and closures.
In her budget speech yesterday afternoon, James said her government will offer assistance for retraining and early retirement.
“Our government’s priority is to provide the help that people need to get on with their lives, to support their families, and to plan for a good future in our province,” she said. “Workers are now getting job placement and skills training, equipment loans for coastal logging contractors, grants for hard-hit communities, and programs to support early retirement.”
James, who spent less that 2 minutes of her speech on forestry issues, said the government will be introducing legislation to encourage wood waste utilization and money for the bourgeoning bio-economy.
