BC cash to support mill workers

The City of Kelowna is getting a $100,000 provincial grant due to the recent Tolko mill closure.

The B.C. government is providing $875,000 in cash to 11 Interior communities to help with delivery of transition services and supports to mill workers and their families who have been affected by permanent or indefinite mill closures or shift reductions.

“The challenges facing Interior forest communities are unprecedented, and that’s why we are getting these resources where they are most urgently needed,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “Funds from these community support grants are going directly to the local governments, as they have first-hand knowledge of what supports are most needed in their communities.”

Through the Community Support Grants Program (CSGP), Interior communities with permanent mill closures are eligible for $100,000; communities with indefinite mill closures are eligible for $75,000; and communities with permanent shift reductions are eligible for $50,000.