Hamilton-Brantford Building & Construction Trades Council welcomes pipeline announcement

HAMILTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 2, 2016) - The Hamilton-Brantford Building and Construction Trades Council welcomes yesterday's announcement of the approval of two major pipeline projects by the Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau.

Yesterday's announcement is good news for skilled trades people, including in the Hamilton-Brantford area. Canada depends on its resource-based economy to help drive the nation's economic engine. These projects, in combination with construction sector jobs, will help sustain prosperity across Canada.

The announcement means increased certainty for sustainable, long-term employment for skilled trades people from coast to coast, as well as improved and safer access to Canadian energy markets. Pipelines bring sustainable long-term employment at both ends of the pipeline for future generations of hard working Canadians.

Speaking on behalf of the HBBT Council, Local Business Manager Mark Ellerker said in Hamilton today: "Our collective building trades membership right across Canada will benefit, and we are looking forward to these projects getting started. We will see local employment through fabrication, and travel card opportunities from increased employment in the construction sector. It's what we do; we build, we help drive the economy forward. The middle class really needs sustainable work, this will actually help support Ontario and Canada's construction industry, and assist in the energy transition process. These two pipeline projects will create greater economic certainty and improve opportunities for apprentices and journey persons in Canada and cities across Canada like Hamilton," observed Ellerker.

The HBBT Council notes that both projects require certain binding conditions in order to proceed. "Our members will support, and work with the proponents to assist the process." Ellerker added that "skilled trades people share responsibility for long-term environmental progress, and we will do the right thing for our communities, and our neighbours; there is no questioning that."

The HBBT Council as 15 Building Trades Union Affiliates who represent a membership of more than 10,000 skilled trades people in the Greater Hamilton-Brantford Region, while there are more than 500,000 members collectively across Canada.