Progressive Contractors Association of Canada Welcomes New Alberta Premier Jim Prentice

Progressively unionized construction employers look forward to working with new Alberta government to strengthen economy and labour supply

CALGARY, Sept. 16, 2014 /CNW/ - The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) congratulates Hon. Jim Prentice on his official swearing-in as the Premier of Alberta and the announcement of his Cabinet.

"Premier Prentice has placed a central focus on the economy, resource development, and improving Alberta's competitiveness in the world," said PCA President Paul de Jong.  "Building a strong and diverse labour force will be crucial to the province's continued growth and prosperity.  PCA looks forward to working with Premier Prentice as he charts a new course for the people of Alberta."

"Premier Prentice has a keen understanding that the strength of Alberta's resources is deeply interconnected with the environment, aboriginal relations and the province's role in Canada and the world," continued de Jong.  "His decision to assume responsibility for the portfolios of Aboriginal Relations and International and Intergovernmental Relations is a testament to his commitment to Alberta's future.  Premier Prentice's experience in federal government and his previous Ministerial responsibilities have prepared him well for the challenges that these new posts will bring."

"PCA also congratulates Hon. Ric McIver on his appointment as Alberta's Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour.  He has shown dedicated service to the people of Alberta in his previous roles as Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation," added de Jong.  "PCA looks forward to working with Minister McIver in his new role on issues such as labour mobility, skills training and apprenticeships."

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]