The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) applauded the BC Government for its continued focus on LNG development and for investing in skills training. PCA believes that these initiatives will boost the economy, create jobs and train workers to fill those jobs.
“ This budget delivers good news for BC workers and job seekers, ” said PCA President Paul de Jong . “ The government is maintaining its targeted focus on the LNG industry as part of an economically strong British Columbia. The measures announced today on skills training also ensure that BC will continue to build the skilled workforce that industry needs .”
The budget contained several measures directly relevant to PCA member companies and their workers, including:
The construction companies that make up PCA have been involved in some of BC’s most important construction projects and are poised to play a key role in building LNG export facilities.
“ Our member companies and their workers are ready to help build the infrastructure needed to export British Columbia’s abundant natural gas resources ,” said Paul de Jong. “ Each step that the government takes to provide the certainty needed for projects to proceed is another step towards a major boost to the economy and employment. ”
PCA has repeatedly raised the alarm over the growing skills shortage and its impact on the economy and so was pleased with yesterday’s announcement of increased funding to train skilled workers.
“ Construction employers across Canada are facing an increasing shortage of skilled workers, so this budget’s boost in training is essential to creating the workforce needed to seize economic opportunities like LNG, ” said de Jong. “ We are pleased that the BC government has taken these positive steps .”
Source: PCA, February 19, 2014