Trades NL Supports Deal to Develop Churchill Falls and Gull Island

The Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today welcomed Trades NL’s support of the Provincial Government’s new and better deal to develop Churchill Falls and Gull Island. Trades NL represents 14 building trades unions and thousands of skilled trades workers across the province.

Following the historic announcement on August 17 with the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, the Honourable Christine Fréchette, Premier of Quebec, and representatives of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro-Québec, today’s endorsement underscores the significant employment opportunities secured for Newfoundland and Labrador skilled trades workers through the agreement.

The Provincial Government’s new and better deal to develop Churchill Falls and Gull Island includes significant employment benefits. Premier Wakeham today announced that the Provincial Government will extend employment benefits that are currently in place for the Gull Island project to all projects – Churchill Falls upgrades, Labrador transmission and wind development. This includes a guarantee that 85 per cent of all person-hours worked during construction will remain in Newfoundland and Labrador, with priority given to qualified Labrador Innu, qualified Labradorians and qualified Newfoundlanders, in that order.

At peak construction, the Gull Island project alone is expected to employ as many as 5,000 workers, delivering more jobs and economic benefits for Newfoundland and Labrador. The project will create thousands of good-paying skilled trades jobs, which will drive the provincial economy, while providing opportunities for the next generation of workers, helping more young people build rewarding careers here at home while supporting families and communities throughout the province.

Quotes

“Our new and better deal for Churchill Falls and Gull Island is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador. I am proud to have Trades NL standing with us as we move forward with what will be the largest job-creating investment in our province’s history. We need to get building right away. My message to skilled trades workers here at home and abroad is simple: get ready to get to work. Together, we are building a better and brighter future for Newfoundland and Labrador. This agreement will create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, generate billions in revenue, and deliver lasting benefits for all of us.”

Honourable Tony Wakeham

Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Trades NL has always been a valued partner, and today’s endorsement sends a strong message that Newfoundland and Labrador’s skilled trades workers are ready to get building. The workers represented by Trades NL know the opportunities our new and better deal will create for them, their families and communities across our province. Our deal will deliver thousands of good-paying jobs, create opportunities for apprentices and young people entering the trades, and ensure the benefits of this historic development stay right here at home in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Honourable Lloyd Parrott

Minister of Energy and Mines

“The Gull Island project and related developments represent a generational opportunity for the skilled trades workforce of Newfoundland and Labrador. These projects will create long-term good-paying union jobs and a clear pathway for young Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to build rewarding careers in the Red Seal trades, from apprenticeship and training through construction, and into decades of operations and maintenance work. Trades NL has a vision of long-term employment opportunities while strengthening our province’s skilled workforce. Just as important, these projects will help keep our people here at home, allowing them to build their futures, raise their families, and contribute to their communities. Together, we have an opportunity to create lasting economic benefits, develop the next generation of skilled trades professionals, and leave a legacy that will serve Newfoundland and Labrador for generations to come.”

Bob Fiander

Executive Director, Trades NL