Canada's Building Trades Unions are disappointed with the Keystone XL decision

OTTAWA, Nov. 6, 2015 /CNW/ - CBTU is disappointed with the Keystone XL decision. Robert Blakely, Canadian Operating Officer for CBTU says from Edmonton today "this is a missed opportunity for creating new jobs in all sectors of the North American economy.  Pipelines are the most efficient method of transporting energy products to markets. This decision will have impacts on Canada's rail systems, our communities and thousands of apprentices who rely on work in Canada's energy sector."

Blakely went on to say "this decision in the United States makes a Canadian infrastructure solution even more important in the coming months and years.  Canada must and will seek new markets for our oil and gas products.   We will continue to advocate for this project and others like it to promote jobs and growth in North America. Canada and the United States missed an opportunity to work together on climate change related policies.  A major project like Keystone should be an impetus for change. "

Warren Fraleigh Executive Director of the Building Trades of Alberta says "Getting our resources to global markets is vital for Alberta, vital for Canada, and vital for the strength of our energy and resource economy. Moving forward, our companies and governments may forgo significant revenue and jobs due to lack of pipeline capacity and access to markets.  The BTA supports pipeline projects that lead to the responsible development of our resources as well as initiatives to incentivize additional provincial refining capacity in Alberta.  The BTA supports the sustainable and long term growth of the Oil Sands as the economic foundation of jobs and training opportunities in Alberta.  Unfortunately, this most recent decision may do away with many good paying extraction and refining jobs for Alberta, for Canada and for the United States for generations to come. " 

SOURCE Building & Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO

Christopher Smillie , Senior Advisor Government Relations and Public Affairs, CBTU, at [phone] or [email protected]