Canadian Building Trades pleased by the TransCanada Corporation announcement of the Energy-East Project

OTTAWA, Aug. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Building Trades is very pleased by the TransCanada Corporation announcement of the Energy-East Project; Director of Canadian Affairs Robert Blakely said "This is the sort of job that proves that a pipeline is a conduit that connects high paying jobs in one region of Canada to high paying, long term and sustainable jobs in other Canadian Regions.  At the same time as providing this job bonanza it changes the game for refiners in Central and Atlantic Canada in removing their dependence on foreign crude oil."

The effects of this announcement are very far reaching and extend far beyond the initial pipeline construction phase, Roy Finley, Director of Construction for Teamsters Canada was quoted as saying "As an Albertan I'm very glad that Western Canada gets another major market for our crude and as a Canadian I see the benefits of Canadian resources being made available to all Canadians."

The work will require a large of number of our members from Alberta into New Brunswick in the initial construction phase and more to build and maintain the facilities on either end of the line.  Patrick Dillon, Business Manager of the Ontario Building Trades added his Council's support for the Energy-East Project for a number of reasons: "(1) in our view, it's the safest way to transport crude oil as it relates to the environment; (2) it will provide opportunities to train and employ trades people including Aboriginals, women, youth and new Canadians; and (3) we, in the Building Trades in Ontario see this as nation-building which is good for all Canadians." Gary Ritchie of the New Brunswick Building Trades speaking in Saint John, NB said, "This means my members won't have to go West whenever they need a job, we will increase the job base here in Atlantic Canada and see more investment here.  We need those jobs as well as the new and exciting prospects for young New Brunswickers who haven't had all that much to look forward to until now, this is the key to training a large number of people for real and lasting skilled jobs"

Blakely concluded, "This is the best news we've had in long time and it impacts almost the entire spectrum of Canadian construction workers.  We intend to support TransCanada and Energy East every step of the way!!"

About BCTD

The North America-wide BCTD AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labour - Congress of Industrial Organizations) coordinates activities and provides resources to 15 affiliated trade unions in the construction, maintenance and fabrication industries. In Canada, the BCTD represents 500,000 skilled trades workers.

SOURCE: Building & Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO

Robert Blakely
Director of Canadian Affairs
Office:  [phone]

Lindsay Amundsen
Workforce Development Coordinator
Office: (613)-236-0653

Donald Fortin
Directeur Général, Québec BCTC
Bureau : [phone]

Patrick Dillon
Business Manager, Ontario BCTC
Office: [phone]