BTA Blog

Yesterday, July 22, 2018, the deadline passed to identify a new owner for the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion. As a result, the Canadian government is set to become the official owner of the pipeline.

The investment of $4.5 billion means that construction will move forward. What does it mean for the average Canadian?

For the skilled trades workers of the BTA’s affiliated unions, construction means high paying skilled trades jobs. For Canada, it means a new nation-building project that will generate important benefits across the country.

Building Trades of Alberta and the Canadian Building Trades Unions have long supported the construction of the Trans Mountain pipeline. Here’s what you can do to voice your support for the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion and for jobs going to building trade union members.

1. Know the benefits that the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion will mean for the Canadian job market and the economy.
2. Take action to support this vital nation-building project.

PROPOSED TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE EXTENSION ROUTE

NEW JOBS

The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion will:

• generate 15,000 construction jobs, including thousands of well-paid skilled building trades jobs
• increase demand for new apprentices
• provide jobs and training for Aboriginal workers
• create thousands of spin-off jobs (estimate – 37,000)
• result in ongoing demand for skilled trades workers in maintenance, extraction facilities, refineries and other facilities, creating jobs that contribute to Canada’s economic health.

Remember, according to the CBTU, “Every construction job produces 7 spinoff jobs in other sectors.”

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Right now, Canada is losing some $15 billion per year due to low oil prices because the U.S. remains its only customer for oil exports. At a time when the US market is less certain, Trans Mountain becomes doubly important. By transporting raw bitumen to the West coast, the Trans Mountain expansion will

• open up new markets and better prices for Alberta’s shut-in oil
• increase pipeline capacity from 300,000 to 890,000 barrels
• unlock new investment in the oil sands and result in $73.5 billion of new oil production over 20 years
• create new business opportunities for Aboriginal businesses, sub-contractors, suppliers, and vendors.

GOVERNMENT REVENUES

Trans Mountain expansion will generate an estimated

• $46.7 billion in new federal and provincial government tax and royalty revenues
• $922 million in new BC municipal tax revenues
• $124 million in Alberta municipal tax revenues.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Pipelines are the least costly, most reliable, most secure way of transporting oil and gas while protecting our communities and environment. The expansion has been approved by the National Energy Board following an extensive environmental review. Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion will adhere to strict environmental regulations to mitigate environmental impacts and protect

• farm land
• wetlands
• ground water
• traditional land uses and protected areas
• air quality at the marine terminal.

2. Steps you can take to support the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion

• Contact your elected representatives and tell them you support the hiring of building trade union members.
• Sign the Alberta Government petition to support the Trans Canada Pipeline expansion project and lend your support on Facebook and Twitter.
• Tell the Building Trades of Alberta and Canada’s Building Trades Unions that you support the campaign for the development of pipelines to get Canada’s oil and natural gas to the world markets and win jobs for Canada’s skilled trades workers.

Remember, the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion will create thousands of well paid, middle class jobs for Canadian families and skilled building trades union members. Take action to support this project today.