Tolko
(KATHY MICHAELS / iNFOnews.ca)
November 05, 2019 - 5:30 PM
Tolko employees affected by the recent Kelowna mill shutdown are the focus of a new WorkBC program.
In an email sent out today, WorkBC said its staff are preparing services specifically tailored to help Tolko workers through the "difficult period."
"We’ll be offering special workshops to help you prepare for whatever comes next in your career," reads the release. "It’s our mission to support our community during challenging times. Join us for the next info session or apply to be a case managed client to get the full benefit! You could be eligible for financial supports, skills training and job placement services."
READ MORE: Tolko land value is high
WorkBC offers job seekers access to job search resources, workshops, employment counselling, training, assessments, work experience placements and more.
Tolko Industries announced in September it would be shutting down its Kelowna mill indefinitely putting 127 people out of work immediately.
The shutdown was attributed to lumber market prices at sustained low levels and high log costs in B.C.
Tolko Kelowna was approaching the end of a six-week temporary shutdown that was scheduled to end Sept. 15.
The Kelowna mill wasn't alone. There have also been curtailments at the two Canfor pulp mills in Prince George, a closure at Tolko's sawmill in Quesnel, and Canfor's sawmill in Vavenby also shut down.
Tolko bought the mill in 2004 from Riverside Forest Products. It had a plywood plant up until 2008.
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