Making a Difference

The three Community Development Trust programs are making a positive difference in the lives of British Columbia’s forest workers, their families and their communities.

By the end of June 30, 2009, the three Trust programs have been able to assist more than 6,000 B.C. forest workers, their families and their communities:

• The $85.5-million Transition Assistance Program has assisted more than 1,700 forest workers with $65 million in support. About $20 million remains for the 2009 Transition Assistance window.
• Through the $17.25-million Tuition Assistance Program, approximately 2,200 people have been able to access up to $5,000 for retraining.
• Under the $86.25-million Job Opportunities Program, about $40 million has been approved for projects to date. These projects are anticipated to employ more than 1,880 people.

Through Budget 2009, the Province has committed an additional $30 million in funding to allow for further programs similar to those offered under the Community Development Trust.

For a breakdown of funding that has gone to workers and projects in each Regional District in B.C., see the Regional Funding page.

For more information on how the Community Development Trust is benefitting workers, their families and their communities, see the CDT Facts page.

• Community Development Trust Assists BC Workers – April 9, 2009
  VICTORIA – Through the $129 million Community Development Trust, the Province of British Columbia’s three-pronged approach has been able to assist about 4,000 laid-off forest workers, their families and communities during the first of three years. [Full Information Bulletin]
  
• Community Development Trust Supports Forest Families - October 16, 2008
  VICTORIA – A program designed to help older forest workers transition to retirement is opening new opportunities for forest-dependent families, said Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Community Development. [Full News Release]
  
• Province Improves Trust to Help More Forest Workers - Sept. 17, 2008
  VICTORIA – The Province of B.C. is making improvements to the suite of programs available from the $129-million Community Development Trust, to better meet the needs of forest workers, Community Development Minister Blair Lekstrom announced. [Full News Release]
  
• New Forestry Programs to Support Workers, Communities - May 9, 2008
  KAMLOOPS – Premier Gordon Campbell announced details of three new programs to support forest workers and communities coping with the challenges of a changing industry today. [Full News Release] [Read Backgrounder]

For more information about the Community Development Trust:

• 1-877-238-8882 from B.C. communities outside Victoria
• 250-387-5349 from Victoria
• email: cdt@gov.bc.ca