Progressive Contractors Association of Canada Welcomes MOU on Labour Mobility Between British Columbia and New Brunswick

Progressively unionized construction employers praise announcement that will increase labour mobility and strengthen Canada's skilled labour supply

CALGARY, Aug. 28, 2014 /CNW/ - The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) welcomed today's announcement by the governments of British Columbia and New Brunswick that the two provinces have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on labour mobility.

"PCA congratulates Premiers Christy Clark and David Alward for taking an important leadership role in promoting labour mobility across Canada," said PCA President Paul de Jong.

"This announcement brings good news for workers and job seekers in British Columbia and New Brunswick by removing significant barriers for apprentices in Canada's skilled trades. They will have access to job opportunities across both provinces that will help them develop the skills training they need to achieve their Red Seal certification and succeed in the trades."

"PCA believes that increasing labour mobility within Canada is the best way to address immediate labour shortages across the country while at the same time tackling unemployment and underemployment in certain regions of the country. The MOU between British Columbia and New Brunswick is an important step in addressing regional labour needs and strengthening Canada's work force through apprenticeship opportunities. PCA hopes this agreement will contribute to the development of harmonized apprenticeship regulations among the provincial and territorial governments."

About the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA)

PCA is the voice of progressive unionized employers in Canada's construction industry. PCA member companies employ more than 25,000 skilled construction workers across Canada, represented primarily by CLAC. Our member companies are responsible for 40 percent of energy and natural resource construction projects in British Columbia and Alberta and are leaders in infrastructure construction across Canada.

PCA's goal is to ensure that Canada has a fair and open construction industry, cooperative labour relations, and a robust, inclusive and highly-capable workforce. PCA believes in open competition in which no sector is given artificial and unfair advantage over another on the basis of union affiliation or lack thereof.

SOURCE: Progressive Contractors Association of Canada

Media inquiries:
Paul de Jong, [email protected], [phone]