PCA Welcomes Pacific Link’s National Interest Designation

The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) welcomes the federal government’s decision to list the West Coast Oil Pipeline, now known as Pacific Link, as a project of national interest under the Building Canada Act.

The listing advances the project into federal review and consultation. Work remains on Indigenous consultation, route planning, financing, and the conditions required before construction can proceed.

“We commend Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney for their vision and hard work in bringing this project forward. Pacific Link could improve Canada’s access to Asian markets and create substantial construction work for Canadian contractors and tradespeople. It must be developed safely, with Indigenous communities meaningfully involved and sharing in its benefits,” said Paul de Jong, PCA’s President and CEO.

PCA supports local contracting, hiring and oversight that create opportunities for workers and apprentices in the provinces along the route. Those opportunities should be pursued through an open process that allows qualified contractors to compete.

“Fair, open, and competitive tendering must govern this project. Every qualified contractor should have a fair chance to bid, and contractors should not be shut out because of the labour model their employees have chosen. The owner should select contractors based on their qualifications, safety record, and ability to deliver at a competitive price,” de Jong added.

PCA members include major national pipeline builders and contractors with experience delivering energy and infrastructure projects across Canada. They are ready to compete for work on Pacific Link.