I feel it’s important for us to take a moment to recognize and thank the many responsible employers in Alberta’s oilsands for the work they’ve done to mitigate the threat of COVID-19 at worksites across northern Alberta.

From Suncor to Syncrude, CNRL to IPL and many others, the Building Trades of Alberta has worked closely with owners, contractors and clients to ensure proper protocols and procedures are in place to help safeguard the health and well-being of employees.

This is a very difficult time for all of us, including industry, and the daily battle against workplace COVID-19 is relentless. And while no area of the province has been immune to the pandemic’s grip, through frequent communication and real value placed on working together in order to push back on the virus, COVID-19 has been managed well throughout the oilsands.

I applaud those in industry who continue to work with stakeholders, like BTA, to ensure worker safety remains paramount throughout this unprecedented period in our history.

Terry Parker, executive director, Building Trades of Alberta