Don’t Forget to Sign the PPWC Petition Here to Get Supports for PPWC Local 2 Crofton Workers
VICTORIA, B.C. — The Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC) is welcoming the announcement of $70.4 million in new funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia to support workers affected by job losses across the province.
The investment, announced today by Federal Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu and BC Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Sheila Malcolmson in Victoria, will provide retraining and employment supports for workers in tariff-impacted industries, including forestry and steel. The funding is expected to help more than 8,000 workers across British Columbia access training and employment assistance over the next three years.
PPWC President Geoff Dawe said the announcement represents an important step forward for workers and communities struggling with the economic fallout from pulp mill closures.
Listen to PPWC President Geoff Dawe Speak with CBC News about PPWC Local 2 Supports
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“This investment sends an important message to working families across British Columbia that governments are listening and taking action,” said Dawe. “Forestry workers in the PPWC and other resource workers have faced tremendous uncertainty over the past year, and these new supports will help many workers gain skills and find new opportunities.”
This week, Dawe met personally in Victoria with Minister Hajdu, Minister Malcolmson, and BC Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar to discuss the urgent needs facing forestry workers and their families. During that meeting, Dawe highlighted the devastating impact of job losses in the forestry sector and emphasized the need for coordinated federal and provincial action to support affected workers.
“Minister Hajdu took the time to listen directly to the voices of workers and their representatives,” Dawe said. “Our meeting was constructive and focused on real solutions. I want to thank Minister Hajdu, Minister Parmar, and Minister Malcolmson for engaging with us and recognizing the seriousness of the situation facing forestry workers.”
According to the federal government, the initiative will help workers who have been laid off or whose jobs are threatened by global trade pressures, including tariffs affecting Canada’s forestry sector. The funding will also support workers seeking to retrain for emerging industries or upgrade their skills to remain competitive in a changing economy.
However, Dawe emphasized that while the announcement is welcome news, it must be seen as part of a broader effort to support workers who have lost their livelihoods.
“This is a positive step and we are grateful to see governments responding,” Dawe said. “But we must be clear: for many forestry workers, especially those who have recently lost their jobs, more support will still be needed.”
In particular, the PPWC continues to advocate for enhanced Employment Insurance supports and targeted retraining programs for workers affected by the recent shutdown of the Crofton pulp mill on Vancouver Island.
The closure of the mill resulted in the loss of hundreds of good-paying union jobs held by members of PPWC Local 2, creating significant economic hardship for workers and their families in the region.
“These are highly skilled workers who have built their lives around an industry that has sustained communities on Vancouver Island for generations,” said Dawe. “They deserve the same level of support that workers in other industries have received when major closures occur.”
As part of ongoing discussions with governments, Dawe has also been invited to attend a possible meeting in Ottawa later this month with federal officials to continue addressing the needs of forestry workers. Minister Parmar is also expected to participate in those discussions.
“Our members are ready to work and contribute to their communities,” Dawe said. “But transitions take time. Workers must be given the financial stability and training opportunities they need to move forward.”
Dawe said the possible meeting will be an opportunity to build on the momentum created by the latest funding announcement and ensure that workers directly affected by mill closures receive the targeted assistance they require.
“We look forward to continuing these conversations with the federal government in Ottawa,” Dawe said. “Our goal is simple: to make sure forestry workers are not left behind.”
The PPWC believes that strong collaboration between labour organizations, governments, and industry will be essential to protecting workers and strengthening Canada’s forestry sector in the years ahead.
The PPWC will continue advocating for workers and working with government partners to ensure that the transition supports announced today translate into meaningful opportunities for affected workers and communities.
“This funding announcement is an important first step,” Dawe said. “Now we must continue working together to deliver the full range of supports that forestry workers need and deserve.”
Media contact:
Geoff Dawe
President, Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC)
nationalpresident@ppwc.ca
ppwc.ca
