Forest worker program bc

How long does the process take between when I apply and when I receive the benefit amount? While the process is intended to be as quick as possible, the length of time may vary for each person depending on the completeness of the information provided and any information that may be needed from your employer. Our goal is to process eligible applications within 4 to 6 weeks, but we recognize that it is taking longer due to high application volumes and apologize for the delay.

We are working diligently to process applications, including working over the holidays, and appreciate your patience. Please be aware that any benefit you may be eligible for will not be paid until after application approval and payment information is confirmed. If you have not yet retired, payment is not made until after your retirement date. The application requires income tax returns to be provided. Is the entire income tax return, including schedules and worksheets required?

Can I just provide a notice assessment? The program requires a recent T4 slip and 2 years of income tax returns to show all income sources and verify that your primary income is from full-time employment at a mill in the B. Interior region. This cannot be determined from just a Notice of Assessment and T4. A copy of the electronic filing of your return is also acceptable. Please note: if you have already provided a Notice of Assessment, it may be used later by the program to confirm RRSP confirmation room if your application is approved and you want your benefit to go towards your RRSP.

What are the steps after the application has been submitted? The program will send you a confirmation letter by email or mail once your application is received. The program will contact you if there is any missing information to ensure your application is complete.

Completed applications will be reviewed to determine whether you are eligible. A letter will be sent to inform you of your eligibility. If you are eligible, the letter will include the eligible benefit amount and describe next steps. Please note that application processing is taking longer than we anticipate due to high application volumes and we apologize for the delay.

I submitted my application weeks ago. What stage is it at? When will I know the results? We are striving to review and process each application as quickly as possible.

While our processing target time is weeks after receiving all documents, we recognize that application processing is taking longer than we anticipate due to high application volumes and we apologize for the delay. The decision letters will first be sent to workers already displaced from their jobs, then workers who are voluntarily retiring.

You will be contacted when your application review has been completed. If my application is approved, will I be informed of the amount before I make my final decision? Yes, the program receives the application including supporting documents and may work with your employer to obtain additional information.

Upon confirming your eligibility and receiving any additional information from the employer, the program will calculate the bridging benefit and send a letter to inform you of the bridging amount. You will be required to provide written, signed confirmation of your retirement date and acceptance of your obligations for receiving the benefit. Your application to the Ministry of Labour can be cancelled by you in writing any time prior to the program receiving your completed Direction to Pay form.

A Direction to Pay form will be sent to you if your application is approved. The B. On September 17, the B. The Coastal program has now reached its limit of applicants from the Coastal regions and the application process has closed. What is meant by "voluntary retirement" as part of the Bridging to Retirement Program?

If you are currently working as a full time mill employee in a mill that is operating in the B. However, your application will require confirmation from your employer that no skills shortage is created, and your vacancy must be filled by a more junior, impacted worker. If your employer provides information that a skills gap will be created, you will not be eligible to receive bridging benefits through this program because your skills makes you one of the people that the mill needs to stay strong.

You may still retire but not receive bridging benefits through the program. The information on this form is collected under the authority of Sections 26 c and 27 1 c of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to help us assess and respond to your enquiry. Questions about the collection of information can be directed to the Manager of Corporate Web , Government Digital Experience Division. I consent. Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Accessibility Statement.

Home Farming, natural resources and industry Forestry Supports for forestry workers. Short Term Forest Employment Program. FEP funded projects must create short-term employment opportunities for contractors and workers and result in benefits for impacted communities.

Projects should still focus as much as possible on impacted forestry contractors and workers in the context of expanding FEPs funding and scope but other projects can be approved if they demonstrate a need within the broader context of pandemic recovery and create immediate employment.

Must employ workers that are available to physically work on site for the duration of the services. Supports for Workers and Contractors. Forest Employment Program Creates short-term employment to help forest contractors explore new work.

Skills Training for Employment Connects impacted workers with skills training and educational opportunities for new careers. Rural Business and Community Recovery Initiative Through the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior, Island Coastal Economic Trust and Northern Development, recovery advisors were in place in to help create jobs, support rural businesses and communities, and support strategic decision making.

Community Transition Rapid Response Teams This team will provide on-the-ground economic development and community support service, provide in-community support and will coordinate with ministries and organizations to ensure supports are in place for individuals and communities. Skills Training Grants for Communities, Sectors and Employers The Community Workforce Response Grant helps communities and sectors support in-demand skills training for secure and sustainable employment for British Columbians.

Learn more The Employer Training Grant helps employers provide employees the skills they need to succeed in the labour market. Developing new programs The Province is also developing new programs that will support forestry workers and communities over the next three years, to be announced in the new year. Areas of focus include developing:. Supports for industry innovation in rural British Columbia through value-add forestry and other, made-in-BC manufacturing.