(August 30, 2018) – Today’s Federal Court of Appeal decision that will result in a significant delay for the Trans Mountain expansion project is a huge disappointment according to the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) whose member companies are involved in building the project.
“This decision is a stunning setback for workers, their families, our economy and Canada’s reputation as a place to invest,” said Paul de Jong, President of the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada. “As a country, we’re losing out on a major opportunity to generate thousands of jobs and billions in revenue. It sends out a message that Canada cannot be relied upon as an energy supplier.”
The Federal Court of Appeal has ruled that the National Energy Board’s assessment of the expansion project was flawed and should not have been used as a basis for the project to proceed. It concludes that the Federal Government failed in its duty to engage in meaningful consultations with Indigenous groups and must redo part of the consultation.
“It’s truly a national shame when opponents are able to use the courts as a means of derailing a project of this scale, scope and significance,” added de Jong. “It’s a sad day an energy project that’s met more conditions and approvals than virtually any other in history can’t move forward. That shakes investor confidence and prevents each and every Canadian from sharing in the benefits.”
PCA is urging the Federal Government urgently to take any and all measures — including an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, if necessary – to get this essential project back on track.
PCA is the voice of progressive unionized employers in Canada’s construction industry. 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 member companies employ more than 25,000 skilled construction workers in Canada, represented primarily by CLAC.
For further information, contact:
Danna O’Brien, Danna@obriencommunications.ca 416-500-0699