Trans Mountain Expansion Project will Create Long-term Prosperity

VANCOUVER, May 19, 2016 /CNW/ - The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) commends the National Energy Board (NEB) for recommending the federal government approve the Trans Mountain Expansion Project and concluding the Project is in the best interest of our country.

"Today's decision is good news for workers, families and communities across British Columbia," says ICBA President Philip Hochstein.  "Canada needs an expanded pipeline system that will generate thousands of family-supporting jobs, provide access to new, high-paying markets, and unlock billions of dollars in benefit to our country."

The expansion, as outlined in a report by the Conference Board of Canada, is expected to generate 802,000 person years of employment over more than 20 years and close to $50 billion in government revenues, which pay for vital public services that we all rely on.  It will also generate more than $23 billion in additional local government taxes annually in BC, which is more than double the current amount.

"Resource development is one of Canada's time-tested creators of employment and wealth.  For workers, this Project will be an important platform for trade apprenticeship, employment and skill development, and provides a valuable opportunity to build a long, well-paid career in the construction industry," says Hochstein.

In Metro Vancouver alone, the $6.8 billion expansion will lead to $1.15 billion in construction spending for pipeline and terminal infrastructure work. Overall, the Project is anticipated to require about $4.5 billion in goods and services, and workers will spend about $480 million in communities along the route during construction.

"Canada is a model for responsible resource development and we should be proud of it.  World-class safety standards for construction and operation ensure British Columbians can take comfort in the safe economic activity this project will deliver."

Earlier this year, ICBA launched the Growing the Economy campaign, which included a petition in support of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. As of May 18, 2016, the petition has collected 6,445 signatures in support of the project.

As part of Growing the Economy, a recent poll was conducted that suggests that 84 per cent of British Columbians support responsible resource development and that opponents, while vocal, represent only 16 per cent of Canadians. That's why the ICBA is encouraging the Federal Government to say yes to the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.

The campaign website has become a hub for information that features major project updates, videos, and shareable content and articles. ICBA encourages the online community of more than 20,000 to sign petitions, submit public comments, send letters to the government, and to participate in the conversation on social media.

About ICBA (www.icba.ca) - The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of B.C. (ICBA) is the voice of B.C.'s construction industry and the oldest open shop organization in Canada. Representing the interest of more than 1,200 companies in the British Columbia construction industry, the ICBA employs 15,000 workers who build homes, offices, institutions and large infrastructure projects. Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of B.C. services and represents B.C.'s construction sector. ICBA's 1,200 members build in every construction sectors and are involved in virtually all major capital projects in British Columbia.

SOURCE Independent Contractors And Businesses Association of BC (ICBA)

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