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Tuition Program Opens Doors to More Workers

July 24, 2009

VICTORIA – More workers in the forest sector have access to training opportunities through the $17.25-million Community Development Trust (CDT) Tuition Assistance Program due to a change in the definition of forest worker, announced Bill Bennett, Minister of Community and Rural Development.

“The program is all about opening doors to a successful future for workers in all areas of the Province,” said Bill Bennett, Minister of Community and Rural Development. “By opening the Community Development Trust Tuition Assistance Program to more sectors of the forest industry, more workers will be able to upgrade their skills for success in British Columbia’s 21st-century economy.”

Previously, the Tuition Assistance Program was only available to forestry workers who were directly employed in the harvesting, hauling or primary manufacturing sectors. The definition of forest worker for the Tuition Assistance Program has expanded to people employed full-time in secondary manufacturing, nurseries and silviculture. More information on the new application requirements is available on the CDT website.

“British Columbia’s skilled and well-trained workforce will help support our forest sector’s recovery,” said Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell. “By focusing on wood-use in large scale construction projects, taking advantage of new export markets, and increasing usage of forest resources, we are building a strong, diverse and well-positioned forest economy that will demand skilled and experienced employees.”

Established in May 2008, the Tuition Assistance Program is one of three programs to help forest workers through the Community Development Trust. Through the program, a total of $17.25 million was set aside ($5.75 million per year over three years) to help forest workers upgrade their skills and education. Since 2008, the program has assisted more than 2,200 workers, with access to up to $5,000 each in tuition assistance.

The $129-million Community Development Trust, first announced in 2008, also includes the $85.5-million Transitional Assistance for Older Workers program to help older forest workers transition to retirement and the $26.25-million Job Opportunities Program to provide short term employment.

As announced in July 13, 2009, the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia have augmented support for the Job Opportunities Program with up to $30-million each, bringing the total funds available for Job Opportunities to $86.25 million. The Government of Canada is supporting the Job Opportunities Program through its Community Adjustment Fund, part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

For more information about the Community Development Trust and the Tuition Assistance Program, go to: www.cd.gov.bc.ca/cdt.
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