Both the union representing Crofton mill workers, and the mayor of North Cowichan, are urging the province to revive a retirement bridging program to help older forestry workers retire with ease.

The call to help Crofton mill workers comes after the company who owns it announced back in December 2025 that it would be laying off all of its 350 workers and closing down for good.

The Bridging Retirement program was created back in late 2019 by the Province of B.C. to help pay forestry workers and contractors a one-time sum of $75,000 as a way to help them transition into retirement.

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In February of 2025, the province cancelled the program saying it was fully subscribed and was no longer taking any new applications.

President of the Public and Private Workers of Canada union Geoff Dawe wants the province to reinstate the program.

“It allows them to leave the industry that they’ve probably spent anywhere between 25 to 35 years in. It let’s them leave with some dignity and not be a burden on the system,” said Dawe.

Dawe says the union has been advocating to the province to keep the program going well before the announcement of the Crofton mill closure.

The original program insured workers 55 and over would qualify for the $75,000. North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas says he not only wants the province to reinstate the program, but lower the age eligibility to 50 years old and over.

“About half of the workers fall within that 50 to 65 age range. Once you get into your mid, late 50s early 60s, it’s tough to go back to school or relocate your family,” said Douglas.

In a statement to CHEK News, B.C.’s labour ministry did not commit to reinstating the Bridging to Retirement program, instead saying it was focused on retraining, job transition services, and broader forestry-sector investments.

“The closure of the Domtar pulp mill in Crofton is a tough loss for workers, their families and the Cowichan Valley,” said the ministry.

“Our focus is on individualized support, retraining opportunities, and helping workers pivot to in-demand jobs.”

In the meantime, many of the mill’s remaining workers will see their last day of work on Feb. 3.

North Cowichan’s mayor says he’s hopeful a new owner will take over the site, and says he’s taken several calls over the last few weeks from interested investors and individuals.

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