Canada's Building Trades Unions eagerly await the approval of the Energy East Pipeline

OTTAWA, March 5, 2014 /CNW/ - Canada's Building Trades Unions (CBTU) welcomes the filing of the Energy East Project Description with the National Energy Board.  This first formal step brings Canada one step closer to energy security and one step closer to no longer having to rely on foreign oil.

Speaking on behalf of CBTU, Canadian Director Robert Blakely said in Edmonton today: "Our membership, half a million strong across the country is looking forward to this project; it is as much of a nation building project as the first transcontinental railway was for Canada.  Western oil will enable industrial growth and jobs in Quebec and New Brunswick which will last for the length of the operating life of the Energy East Pipeline.  Our members will get to build the pumping stations, the marine loading terminals and the storage facilities as well as the pipeline itself. Canadians should make no mistake, the pipeline jobs and the construction jobs of this utility are just gravy - - the jobs in the extraction facilities in the West and in the refineries and other facilities in the East are long term, high skilled well-paying jobs for large numbers of Canadian."

The Building Trades also announced the support it has for the consultation process undertaken by TransCanada in respect of the project and its ongoing commitment to maintain this dialogue for the duration of the project.  John Telford, Canadian Vice President for the United Association, the pipefitters and pipe wielders who construct pipelines, said "we think that TransCanada's showing real leadership in the area of being open and honest with the land owners, First Nations and communities along the right of way.  Our members build these facilities, they are the best trained tradespeople on the planet and we will build this line to world class standards."

Mr. Blakely noted that TransCanada has had an extensive consultation process but mentioned "The consultation process in respect of Energy East wasn't a one shot deal.  If you live along the right of way there will be Open Houses in centres in all provinces during March and April. TransCanada will be there and the people who build these facilities will be there we would invite you to come out and see for yourself what this project will be about.  TransCanada believes in responsible development and so do we!"

Canada's Building Trades Unions is an alliance of 14 building and construction unions that represent a membership of more than 500,000 skilled tradespeople across Canada.

SOURCE: Building & Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO

Robert R. Blakely, Canadian Director, CBTU, at [phone] or at [email protected]