The Municipality of North Cowichan is calling for urgent support to help laid off workers.
In an open letter to the minister of jobs and families from the municipality, United Steelworkers Union, and Western Forest Products said workers continue to be impacted by layoffs.
“These workers aren’t facing a short-term layoff,” said the letter. “They’ve been formally advised that there will be no return to work this year. Yet many are now being told their Employment Insurance (EI) benefits will soon expire.”
Last year, Western Forest Products announced the curtailment of 120 workers at the Chemainus sawmill due to what they call weak market conditions and limited access to economically viable fire.
It’s estimated 80 workers will be affected if changes aren’t done to protect their benefits that are scheduled to end in March, and all parties are asking the minister to treat workers equally.
“Approximately 40 affected workers who were also in the laid off in June of 2025 were granted extra time for support into the fall of this year,” the letter said.
In January, Western extended the curtailment to last until the end of the year.
The letter said the current EI measures are inadequate, and more needs to be done.
“The situation facing Chemainus workers is a meaningful test of whether these systems are providing the certainty and stability they were designed to deliver,” said the letter. “Timely federal action will help protect families from unnecessary hardship, reduce long-term economic and social impacts and demonstrate that resource-based communities are not left to shoulder the consequence of industry downturn.”
The letter explains that the federal government introduced temporary EI measures last year, aimed at supporting long-tenured workers affected by economic disruptions. Adding 20 weeks of regular benefits, to a maximum of 65 weeks, to eligible workers.
