Progressive Contractors Association of Canada Welcomes NEB Approval of Northern Gateway Pipeline

Progressively unionized construction employers praise panel for approving a project that will create jobs and boost our economy

TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) welcomed today's announcement by the National Energy Board that it is recommending approval of the Northern Gateway Pipeline.

Sean Reid, Director (Federal and Ontario), issued the following statement in reaction to today's announcement:

PCA is pleased with the panel's decision to recommend approval of the Northern Gateway Pipeline. Pipelines - and more importantly the oil and gas that they transport - are so vital to the functioning of the Canadian and global economy that it is essential that we have the means to distribute these resources throughout our country and to an energy-hungry world.

This project will create jobs for Canadians - jobs building the pipeline, jobs making the equipment for the pipeline, and jobs producing the oil that will flow through the pipeline. It will also bolster new investment in our energy and natural resource sectors. PCA member companies see this potential clearly everyday and understand just how important it is for our economy and standard of living to improve market access for Canadian oil and gas.

The tough conditions that the NEB recommends placing on the approval will ensure that this pipeline is built safely and that Enbridge takes the strongest possible measures to mitigate environmental impacts. They will also ensure that the needs and views of the affected communities, especially First Nations, are taken into account.

PCA believes the panel balanced the needs of Canada's economic development and those of the communities which will be affected and made the right decision.

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:
Sean Reid, [email protected], [phone]