BURNABY, B.C. – Petronas’ decision to scrap its plan to build the Pacific Northwest LNG terminal (PNW) is a tough blow for the B.C. construction industry, the president of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) said today.
“We are deeply disappointed that PNW will not go forward, as it means thousands of construction jobs will not materialize,” said ICBA president Chris Gardner.
PNW would have created 4,500 construction jobs, 330 long-term operations positions, and up to $1.3 billion per year in government revenue.
“No jurisdiction does energy extraction in a better, cleaner, more socially responsible way than Canada,” said Gardner. “This is a significant lost opportunity that would have brought many benefits. Canada has to act faster to seize the opportunities that our responsible resource development industries can deliver.”
ICBA’s #Get2Yes web campaign included a PNW section, encouraging people to support the project. During the federal government’s approval process, close to 2,400 letters supporting PNW were sent through Get2Yes.ICBA.ca.
“Many of the job-creating projects we have been trying to #Get2Yes on are in jeopardy,” said Gardner. “PNW is lost. The Massey Tunnel replacement, Site C, and Trans Mountain pipeline are all facing stiff opposition. This is a chilling message to send to investors – why would anyone want to come to B.C. and put time and money into any major project?”
ICBA members work on virtually every significant construction project in the province, and would have worked on PNW. “Investment in major infrastructure and responsible resource development projects not only drive our economy but also provide jobs and opportunities for the more than 200,000 British Columbians who work in construction,” said Gardner.
Very sad difficult to do business in this province and worse with green/dippers government. Sad for bc. Investment is and will be turned off by this province.
This is #13 in the list of major investments in Canada that have been cancelled since Trudeau became PM. Now we have one because of the NDP. Meanwhile, all the “progressive” leaders say they are focussed on helping the middle class. What a load of b-ll sh-t. But sadly, millions of un-informed voters believe them.
Sadly this is another experiment in Stupidity for electing a GreeNDP Government again. How do those Morons intend to pay for all the promises they are making for all their friends on the Island and in the Lower mainland. BC was the best Province in Canada just wait and see what happens again as it did the last time these guys were leading us down the Garden Path.