Forestry job placement co-ordination offices open, however forestry critic John Rustad says governments done nothing to address the core problem of bringing down costs and helping get the industry back on its feet

The forest industry was in crisis throughout  most of 2019 and will continue to get worse ~~ John Rustad

According to a BC government media release yesterday, displaced (doesn’t that sound so clinical?) forestry workers are now able to access direct, hands-on supports at job placement co-ordination offices five forestry reliant communities in interior and northern BC.

These dedicated offices are in 100 Mile House, Fort St. James, Fort St. John, Mackenzie and Clearwater, and each of the offices is staffed with a co-ordination officer who is a displaced forestry worker. According to the Labour Ministry, these co-ordinators will be able to understand what individuals, who are seeking assistance in finding new jobs or training opportunities, are experiencing.  

I asked BC Liberal Forestry critic John Rustad about his thoughts on this, and he was quick in stating that while he was happy to see this type of help, for struggling forestry workers, he wondered why a press release now?

His question to me was, “Did it really take them a year to respond to the forestry crisis, and take this step?”

Eligible forestry workers will have their needs and goals assessed, before being connected to government programs or services that match them with other jobs, supports or training, according to Harry Bains Labour Ministry. This, apparently, will include education upgrades, special designations, credentials or certifications ranging from trade tickets to driver’s licence classifications.

Forest critic John Rustad

Part of the assessment will also look at other factors, such as a worker’s willingness to move to where similar job vacancies are available, or hobbies and skills such as carpentry or cooking, where with additional help, the worker can participate in different sectors and trades facing labour shortages.

Rustad raised an important point, however, in asking, “Most forestry workers want to stay in forestry. Government has done nothing to address the core problem of bringing down costs and helping to get the industry back on its feet”.

In addition to his comments to me yesterday, Rustad also stated this afternoon that:

“The forest industry was in crisis throughout most of 2019 and it will continue to get worse without immediate government intervention”.

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CLICK HERE for office locations, or to apply to the job matching program online

CLICK HERE to learn more about all the forestry supports available