Ontario Construction News staff writer
The organization representing Canada’s building trades unions says it is pleased with the announcement from TC Energy Corp. Last Wednesday that construction will proceed on the Keystone XL pipeline project.
“At a time of uncertainty, the positive news that the Keystone XL pipeline project will move forward is an important step forward for the Canadian economy,” Robert Kucheran, chairman, Canada’s Building Trades Unions, said in a statement.
The Keystone XL (with XL standing for “export limited”) Pipeline would connect the Phase I-pipeline terminals in Hardisty, Alberta, and Steele City, Nebraska, by a shorter route and a larger-diameter pipe, Wikipedia reports. “It would run through Baker, Montana, where American-produced light crude oil from the Williston Basin (Bakken formation) of Montana and North Dakota would be added to the Keystone’s throughput of synthetic crude oil (syncrude) and diluted bitumen from Canada’s oil sands.
“Canada’s Building Trade Unions have the highly-skilled workforce that has the capacity, knowledge and skills to perform this work safely. We are pleased that the Alberta government is stepping up to support this economy boosting project that will help meet Canada’s growing energy needs, and increase the capacity to get our resources to market.
“On this job, like any other work site right now, health and safety must remain at the forefront with all necessary precautions being taken surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kucheran said. “Canada’s Building Trades Unions will work hand in hand with our contractor partners to ensure safety protocols are met and our members, and the broader community, are kept safe.”
Meanwhile, Terry Parker, executive director, Building Trades of Alberta, said: “The Building Trades of Alberta is pleased the provincial government will invest in the Keystone XL pipeline, which will provide thousands of jobs for Albertans in the unionized skilled trades and others. Over time, it will also add billions to government revenues for important services like health care, education and more. Additionally, this investment signals strong support for the province’s energy industry and the workers who rely on it to feed their families. It’s a much-needed boost of confidence and demonstrates the continued need for a safe, stable and secure energy supply.”