NORTHERN BC – There are now more than 1,000 British Columbians working on the Site C Clean Energy Project, according to BC Hydro’s latest employment statistics.
“Government made a commitment to ensure British Columbians would benefit from Site C. Today’s announcement – that 1,000 B.C. workers are on the job – reflects that commitment.” said Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Working on the Site C project is more than just a job. It is an opportunity to be part of a legacy project for our province that will provide clean, reliable and cost-effective electricity for more than 100 years.”
The latest employment statistics show that there were 1,547 total workers on the Site C project in May 2016, with 1,223 workers from British Columbia (79%).
The more than 1,200 British Columbians working on the project represent a varied workforce including: carpenters, truck drivers, crane operators, safety advisors and officers, general labourers, heavy-equipment operators, mechanics, electricians, worker lodge operations staff, construction supervisors, environmental workers and project staff (engineering consultants and office staff).
“In May 2016, there were 443 workers on the Site C construction site from the Peace River Regional District and that’s great news,” said Pat Pimm, MLA for Peace River North. “The northeast has been affected by the slowdown in oil and gas, and Site C construction is providing job opportunities at exactly the right time.”
Construction of Site C started in summer 2015. Employment has been increasing as construction activities ramp up, particularly with the start of main civil works this spring. The main civil workers contractor alone expects to have 600 workers on site this fall.
“We’re pleased to be involved in the main civil works component of the project,” said Paul Nedelec, secretary treasurer of the Construction Maintenance and Allied Workers. “Building Site C provides jobs for our members – and our members bring a proven track record of success in dam construction.”
To date, unions who have participated in the Site C project include: Construction Maintenance and Allied Workers (CMAW), Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC Local 68), Canada West Construction Union (CWU), Pile Drivers 2402, Move Up, and the following B.C. Building Trades affiliated unions: the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE Local 115), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the Teamsters Local 213. In addition, 10 unions affiliated with the B.C. Building Trades will be working on the installation of the Turbines and Generators when that work is completed as construction progresses.
