Journal of Commerce | Grant Cameron | December 2, 2025
Contractors, unions and open shop construction associations in B.C. and Alberta are solidly behind a deal that opens the door for more pipelines to be built to transport oil to the West Coast.
While environmental groups and First Nations argue the impacts of a new oilsands pipeline would be severe, construction stakeholders in both provinces maintain the deal will generate much-needed jobs for the building industry and strengthen the country’s energy sector.
“This federal-provincial collaboration is an encouraging signal for long-term energy infrastructure investment — an area that supports thousands of high-quality construction careers across our province,” said Alberta Construction Association (ACA) executive director Warren Singh. “It is also an important investment signal to the business community that we are open for business.”
He noted pipeline construction and related infrastructure projects are among the most significant job generators in Alberta’s non-residential construction sector and a sustained pipeline program could help the industry get more people into the skilled trades to replace retirees.
“That kind of job creation and demand stability would help retain skilled trades, support apprenticeships, and attract new entrants to the industry, including younger workers, underrepresented groups, and newcomers, which are critical to meeting long-term labour needs in the province.”
Chris Atchison, president of the B.C. Construction Association, said the deal will have major implications and companies in the province’s ICI building sector recognize the significance of the pact.
“B.C.’s construction sector continues to be a cornerstone of the provincial economy, and major infrastructure projects on the West Coast will depend heavily on B.C.’s construction workforce,” he said. “We know that governments, Indigenous partners and industry will all have roles to play as discussions continue.
“Our industry is strong and prepared to support major infrastructure work, and ongoing investment in skills training will help ensure we meet future demand.”
Dan Baxter, regional director, B.C., for the Progressive Contractors Association (PCA) of Canada, said the organization sees the proposed West Coast pipeline as a chance for B.C. to lead, not just react.
“Times have changed and so has the global economy. Polling shows that a clear majority of Canadians – including British Columbians – support a new pipeline when it’s done safely and responsibly. People understand our oil and natural gas energy is in demand, and they want the jobs and benefits to stay here in Canada.”
For B.C.’s construction industry, a project of this scale means thousands of well-paid jobs, from site prep and heavy civil work to mechanical, electrical, fabrication and long-term maintenance, he said, while there will be more apprenticeship opportunities for young people and real economic activity in communities along the route.
However, he noted, B.C. will only see benefits if the project is done right, which means open, competitive procurement, a clear, predictable regulatory path and genuine partnership with First Nations.
Terry Parker, executive director of the Building Trades of Alberta (BTA), commended the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith for signing the agreement.
“By setting the conditions for the construction of new nation-building projects, this agreement is an essential step towards strengthening Canada’s energy sector and generating thousands of new opportunities for unionized skilled trades workers,” he said.
The BTA’s affiliated union locals represent a combined workforce of roughly 60,000 construction trades workers, said Parker, and they are eager to get to work and deliver the project on time and on budget.
“Alberta’s Building Trades Unions and I stand behind Prime Minister Carney’s commitment to work towards the construction of the West Coast pipeline and the spirit of co-operation shown by him and Premier Smith. I remain hopeful of the prospects this proposed project offers our members, our industry and our economy.”
The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), which represents open shop contractors in B.C. and Alberta, is wholeheartedly supporting the deal and urging Premier David Eby to be a constructive partner in making the important nation-building projects a reality.
“Canada has an abundance of energy the world desperately needs, world-leading environmental standards, and a skilled construction workforce that’s ready to build,” said ICBA CEO Chris Gardner. “This is a sweeping change in policy – the MOU is the first time in a decade that Ottawa and Alberta have been rowing in the same direction on energy.
“British Columbia needs to be part of Team Canada, not on the outside looking in trying to block other provinces getting their resources to world markets through ports on the West Coast.”
ICBA Alberta president Mike Martens said investors are watching the situation closely.
“Aligning Ottawa and Alberta on energy is a powerful signal to both our global competitors and customers that Canada wants to get back in the game,” he said. “What they need to see now is that B.C. will be a willing partner in building Canada.”