Canfor Community Transition Table

Following the announcement of the Fort St. John Canfor Sawmill closure, a Community Transition Table was assembled to help Canfor employees, contractors and their spouses transition to other jobs using known employment opportunities, apply for grants and funding for retraining programs, and address health or mental health issues that may arise from job loss.

Support Resources

Supports for Workers

  • The Bridging to Retirement Program: Are you over the age of 55 and interested in retired? This program provides financial support for older forestry workers to transition to retirement. 
  • WorkBC Centres: Need help with job searching, career options, new skills, or resume building? WorkBC Centres provide programs and services to help people find and keep jobs.
  • Employment Insurance: Provides benefits to individuals who lose their job through no fault of their own.
  • Build Your Own Future Program: Are you looking to start your own business or grow your side gig? This program provides business training, coaching and mentorship, capacity-building workshops, and a $5,000 grant towards startup expenses.
  • Service Canada Rural and Remote Community Outreach Support Centre 8am - 4pm Monday through Friday 1 877 631 2657  

Supports for Contractors

  • The Bridging to Retirement Program: Are you over the age of 55 and interested in retired? This program provides financial support for older forestry workers to transition to retirement. 
  • BC Employer Training Grant: Looking at training opportunities for you or your employees? This grant supports employers to train new and current workers.
  • WorkBC Centres: Provide resources to learn about labour market supply and demand, increase work experience opportunities, and facilitate the hiring and retention of employees.
  • Forest Employment Program: Has there been a decrease in contracts due to changes in the forestry sector? This program offers short-term contracts for contractors and their workers through BC Bid.
  • Build Your Own Future Program: Looking to grow your business? This program provides business training, coaching and mentorship, capacity-building workshops, and a $5,000 grant towards startup expenses.

Mental Health & Wellness Resources

  • Canadian Mental Health Society - Bounce Back: Free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry and delivered online or over the phone with a coach.
  • Northern BC Crisis Centre: List of frequently asked questions about suicide. Useful for anyone who may be having suicidal thoughts or feelings.
  • Anxiety Canada: Registered charitable organization that develops a wide range of free resources for people dealing with anxiety.
  • Northern BC Crisis Line: 1-888-562-1214 or text 250-563-1214
  • BC Suicide Line: 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433 | If you are considering suicide or are concerned about someone who may be, please call.
  • Northern Health Virtual Clinic: 1-844-645-7811 | Call to book a provider appointment or speak with a nurse about Mental Health or Substance Use. The clinic can complete assessments, support people finding resources, and supports low barrier access to treatment services such as medication therapy for substance use disorder.
  • First Nations Health Authority Doctor of the Day: 1-855-344-3800 | Provides First Nations people in BC with virtual access to primary health care.
  • Fort St. John Hospital, Emergency Department | In case of urgent need for assistance or immediate concern about you or a loved one’s wellbeing, please access the hospital emergency department.

Career Fair

The Fort St. John Canfor Community Transition Table hosted a Career Fair for Canfor employees, contractors and their spouses on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Northern Lights College. Thank you to all those who attended.