Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia, was in Kamloops on Friday to announce plans for $129 million promised by Ottawa earlier this year, which will be used to set up three new programs aimed at helping workers and communities hit hard by an ailing forest industry.

Three new programs:

1. $17.25 million or a tuition-assistance fund that will give workers facing layoffs the opportunity to upgrade their skills and education. The funding will cover tuition costs to a maximum of $5,000 per worker for one year. Individuals can apply to the fund beginning May 15.

2. $85.5 million to provide transitional assistance for retiring older workers. Individuals can apply to the fund through a secretariat by mid June.

3. $26.25 million will go toward a job-opportunities program that will support silviculture and reforestation in urban areas, forest and fuel management and other forestry programs to provide short-term employment opportunities.

The Northern towns of Mackenzie and Fort St. James, British Columbia, will get $2 million in direct assistance.

Source:
Forestry industry gets $129 million (Kamloops This Week)