North Cowichan initiatives support displaced forestry workers

The Municipality of North Cowichan is implementing several initiatives to assist forestry workers affected by the Crofton pulp mill closure and sawmill curtailments in Chemainus and Cowichan Bay. Mayor Rob Douglas announced that the municipality is working to connect these workers with new opportunities in the manufacturing and mining sectors.

Through the Mill Closure Response Working Group, the municipality is partnering with the BC Centre of Training Excellence in Mining to host introductory sessions for workers interested in mining careers in northern British Columbia. Additionally, the Shinohara Nexus Group plans to open a new production facility in Chemainus in early 2027, which is expected to create approximately 30 jobs. The company has expressed interest in hiring local forestry workers due to their transferable skills.