Vancouver (May 21, 2019) – This is an exciting day, as the Canada Gas & LNG Conference kicks off in Vancouver, marking the first time this event has been held since LNG Canada’s export facility was given the go-ahead. As more of these projects become a reality, all stakeholders of Canada’s LNG industry from proponents, contractors and unions to government and training providers, must work together to ensure that the process for building and delivering Canada’s liquefied natural gas facilities are as streamlined, efficient and competitive as possible, according to CLAC and the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) whose member companies build major energy and natural resource projects.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Canada to demonstrate to the international business community that it can be a leading LNG export country,” said Paul de Jong, President of the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA). “But before that can happen, there must be regulatory certainty that Canada can get vital pipelines and major capital projects approved and built.”
The LNG Canada export facility is the largest infrastructure project in Canada. The Coastal GasLink pipeline will safely deliver natural gas from the Dawson Creek area to the $40 billion facility in Kitimat, B.C. A constitutional challenge of that pipeline project is currently before the National Energy Board.
This LNG project will put Canada on the map as a global leader in the supply of safe, reliable, clean natural gas. It will also generate billions in revenues and thousands of good-paying jobs.
“As this mega project comes onto its own, it’s critical that our industry works collectively to build and train the needed workforce,” said Kevin Kohut, CLAC’s B.C. Director. “It will take careful planning to attract enough new workers at a time when thousands are retiring from the province’s construction industry.”
PCA and CLAC are strong supporters of Canada’s LNG industry and sponsors of this year’s conference. PCA President, Paul de Jong, will be moderating a panel of industry experts on day 2 of the event to discuss workforce supply for Canada’s growing LNG industry.
About the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA)
With its head office in Alberta, and offices in BC, and Ontario, 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 Alberta and British Columbia and are leaders in infrastructure and pipeline construction across Canada. PCA member companies employ more than 25,000 skilled construction workers in Canada, represented primarily by CLAC.
About CLAC
Formed 1952, CLAC is a national union representing over 60,000 workers in almost every sector of the economy. Based on values of respect, dignity, and fairness, CLAC is committed to building better workplaces, better communities, and better lives. CLAC is a founding member of Canada Works and an affiliated member of the World Organization of Workers.
For further information, contact:
Danna O’Brien, Danna@obriencommunications.ca 416-500-0699