Mill closures and curtailments have left many forestry workers and contractors in British Columbia looking for short-term work. The Forest Employment Program (BC) was created to address this gap by funding temporary forestry projects that create paid work in affected communities. If you work in forestry and want to know how to access these opportunities, this guide breaks down how the program works and how to apply, step by step.
The Forest Employment Program (FEP) is not a traditional grant where money is paid directly to your business. Instead, it funds short-term forestry projects that are posted for competitive bidding. Contractors who win these projects hire forestry workers and are paid for the completed work.
Key details you should know:
This structure means the application process looks more like bidding on government work than filling out a standard grant form.
Eligibility for the Forest Employment Program (BC) is tied to who can bid on and deliver forestry work in the province.
You may be eligible if you are:
All contractors working on FEP projects must meet provincial safety standards.
To bid on any Forest Employment Program project, contractors must be SAFE (Safety Accord Forestry Enterprise) Certified. SAFE certification is a pre-qualification requirement for forestry work in BC and confirms that your business meets minimum safety standards.
If you are not SAFE Certified, you cannot bid on FEP projects.
For a deeper breakdown, see: How SAFE Certification works for forestry contractors in Canada
There is no single “apply now” form for the Forest Employment Program. Instead, you access work through a structured bidding process.
Before anything else, confirm your SAFE certification is active and in good standing. This is non-negotiable for FEP-funded work.
All Forest Employment Program projects are posted on BC Bid. You must:
FEP projects vary by region and may include activities such as:
Each posting outlines expected deliverables, location, and contract value.
You will submit a bid through BC Bid that shows:
This is a competitive process. Projects are awarded based on value and compliance, not on a first-come basis.
If awarded a contract, you deliver the work and hire forestry workers as required. Workers are paid wages by the contractor, and those wages are taxable income.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter forestry-related programs by province and business type in seconds, so you don’t miss complementary funding.
Assuming FEP is a direct grant
The Forest Employment Program does not provide upfront grant money to businesses. It funds paid project work through contracts.
Missing SAFE certification deadlines
SAFE certification must be active before you bid. Starting the process after a project is posted is usually too late.
Not monitoring BC Bid regularly
FEP projects are posted as they become available. Contractors who only check occasionally often miss opportunities.
Underestimating short timelines
FEP projects are designed to be short-term. Your bid must show you can mobilize quickly and complete work on schedule.
Q: What is the Forest Employment Program in BC?
The Forest Employment Program is a provincial initiative that funds short-term forestry projects to create employment for contractors and workers affected by mill closures. Work is accessed through competitive bidding on BC Bid.
Q: Is the Forest Employment Program a grant or a wage subsidy?
It is neither. The program provides funded project contracts, not direct grants or wage subsidies to businesses.
Q: Who can apply for Forest Employment Program projects?
Forestry contractors with active SAFE Certification can bid on projects. Forestry workers participate by being hired to complete awarded work.
Q: How long do Forest Employment Program projects last?
Projects are short-term and temporary, designed to provide immediate employment rather than long-term funding.
Q: Are wages earned through FEP projects taxable?
Yes. Wages paid to workers through FEP-funded projects are taxable income.
The Forest Employment Program (BC) can be a reliable source of short-term work if your forestry business is set up to bid quickly and meet safety requirements. GrantHub tracks forestry and employment-related funding programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile and location so you can plan beyond a single contract.
See also:
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