Building Trades of Alberta appeals to environment minister to approve Teck’s Frontier oil sands project
EDMONTON – Today, the Building Trades of Alberta requested approval of Teck’s Frontier oil sands project north of Fort McKay in a letter sent to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jonathan Wilkinson.
The letter to Wilkinson outlines the economic benefits of the project, the industry-leading and exceeding environmental provisions in place, and the extent of consultation that has gone into planning Frontier.
“The construction of this mega project is expected to provide up to 7,000 jobs. When it’s complete, the day-to-day operations of Frontier will employ around 2,500 people within its 41-year life span,” said Building Trades of Alberta executive director Terry Parker.
“This has the potential to be an economic game changer for Alberta and the country, not only in employment, but in revenue generated for the provincial and federal governments.”
Approximately $70-billion in government revenues are expected, with roughly $55-billion in provincial royalties and taxes, and $12-billion in federal income and capital taxes.
“Moreover, consultations that have taken place for the past decade have ensured strict environmental standards and protections will be in place, and communities are engaged.
“The extent and success of these consultations is evident given recent agreements in place between Teck and all 14 Indigenous communities in the area.
“A report of the Joint Review Panel released last summer determined the project is in the public interest and now it’s up to Minister Wilkinson to approve the job-creating project,” said Parker. “We’re hopeful he will do the right thing and move Frontier forward.”
A final decision on the project is expected by Feb. 28, 2020.
The Building Trades of Alberta represents 18 union locals and more than 60,000 skilled-trades women and men around Alberta.
Read the letter from BTA to Minister Wilkinson
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For more information:
Tyler Bedford, BTA Director of Communications: 780-298-7626
