FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BC Forest Safety Council Launches “Connection to Care” Mental Health Support Program for Forestry Workers
Nanaimo, BC – January 13, 2026 – The BC Forest Safety Council (BCFSC) is proud to announce the launch of Connection to Care, a free, confidential mental health support service designed to help forestry workers across British Columbia. This initiative officially began on January 5th, 2026, and will run until December 31st, 2027, offering vital upstream mental health care to thousands of workers in the forest sector.
The forestry industry faces unique challenges, and recent economic uncertainty has amplified mental health concerns among workers. Recognizing this, BCFSC has partnered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and the BC Municipal Safety Association (BCMSA) to deliver a call-in service that connects workers with qualified mental health professionals, including Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) and graduate-level practicum students. The service is available Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 8:00pm.
“Mental health is a growing concern in BC forestry and we know that stigma and lack of access can often prevent workers from seeking help,” said Rob Moonen, CEO of BCFSC. “Connection to Care can help break down those barriers by providing confidential, accessible support when it’s needed most at no cost to anyone in forestry who needs it.”
Program Highlights
Free, Anonymous & Confidential: Available to all BC forestry workers.
Accessible Support: Call 778-247-2273 (CARE) to speak with a trained mental health professional. The service is available Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 8:00pm.
Immediate Help: You do not need to be in crisis to use this service—sometimes a conversation is all it takes.
Qualified Care: Support provided by RCCs and practicum students under clinical supervision.
Goal: To help prevent mental health challenges from escalating, fostering healthier and safer workplaces.
Mental health and wellbeing matter. Connection to Care provides compassionate listening, confidential conversations, and guidance to connect callers with resources tailored to their needs or referrals for longer-term therapy.
Proudly Supported By:
This program is proudly supported by the Western Forestry Contractors Association, Interior Logging Association, Truck Loggers Association, United Steelworkers, Wood Products Association of Canada and Council of Forest Industries.
For more information about the Connection to Care program, visit connectiontocare.ca or contact BCFSC at info@bcforestsafe.org.
Media Contact:
Michele Fry, Communications Director
BC Forest Safety Council
Phone: 1-877-741-1060
Email: mfry@bcforestsafe.org
Website: www.bcforestsafe.org