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Forestry Funding for BC

Prince George, BC-On the same day that United Steelworker Union members and Western Canada Wilderness Committee activists staged a protest in front of BC Forest Minister Rich Coleman’s office, funding for BC’s ravaged forest sector has been announced.

On Thursday, June 5, the two groups called on Minister Coleman to take action on BC’s forestry crisis. The protest came one day after the Western Canada Wilderness Committee officially threw its support behind a report USW members prepared on how to preserve jobs in the province, and urged the BC government to adopt.

Now, Service Canada has pledged $75,381 in funding, and the province of BC has committed $24,000. The money will be used to disseminate information on a host of topics, including financial counseling and planning services, EI, social assistance benefits and educational opportunities.

The United Steelworkers say they are grateful for the support. “The funding will help us to assist displaced workers, helping them to discover opportunities to upgrade current skill levels or to find a new career path,” said Frank Everitt, president of the union’s Local 1-424.