Eligible workers 55 an older given financial support up to $75,000 each
A key government program designed to help older forestry workers transition into retirement has officially closed after assisting more than 2,200 individuals since its inception in 2019.
The Bridging to Retirement Program, launched in response to economic challenges in the forestry sector, has distributed over $92 million in funding, helping affected workers retire early while opening up job opportunities for younger employees, according to the government.
The program, which first began accepting applications in October 2019, reached capacity and officially ceased intake on February 26, 2025.
Initially funded with $40 million, the program was later expanded to $50 million and renewed in 2021 with a three-year funding commitment. Eligible workers aged 55 and older were provided with financial support of up to $75,000 each, based on their experience and employer contributions.
The program was introduced at a time of economic uncertainty, driven by mill closures, declining lumber prices, and the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade dispute. When first announced in 2019, the provincial government pledged $69 million in forestry support programs to mitigate job losses, strengthen community resilience, and promote economic recovery.
Labour Minister Harry Bains, a former mill worker, highlighted the program’s success:
"I know first-hand just how difficult economic slumps can be on the people and communities that rely on forest industry jobs. This program has given older workers the choice to retire earlier than they may have thought feasible while opening opportunities for younger workers who may have been struggling to find good employment."
By May 2021, the initiative had already provided over $46 million in funding, helping more than 1,000 workers retire early and creating over 500 new jobs in the forestry sector. The Interior region, particularly hard-hit by industry downturns, saw nearly 840 workers transition into retirement with $29 million in financial assistance.
The Bridging to Retirement Program played a dual role—stabilizing employment while supporting communities that heavily depend on the forestry industry.
The initiative was part of a broader strategy that included retraining and job placement programs for displaced workers. Government support, combined with rising lumber prices and increased global demand for wood products, contributed to a partial industry recovery.
By 2021, 41 mills that had previously shut down or curtailed operations had resumed work, bringing 7,500 workers back into the sector, according to the B.C. government.
While the Bridging to Retirement Program has concluded, new concerns loom over the B.C. forestry sector. The provincial government is now shifting its focus to addressing the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, which could have significant consequences for workers, businesses, and the broader economy.
"Government is working closely with Ottawa to ensure workers are supported and that any gaps in assistance are addressed," officials stated.
Updates on the provincial response to tariffs are expected in the coming months.
