VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, June 10, 2009—The Government of Canada is sponsoring a research project that will help identify job opportunities for the Alaska Gas Pipeline.
The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia‑Pacific Gateway, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“Our government is helping identify future job opportunities for Canadians by working with partners across the country and supporting large-scale research projects such as the Alaska Pipeline,” said Minister Day. “This is an important step in advancing the Alaska Pipeline project, which will create jobs for Canadians.”
Under the project, the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) will conduct interviews with representatives of public and private stakeholders in a range of sectors, such as energy, environment, economic development and transportation, about the demand for labour, materials, and goods and services. The findings will be compiled in a report that will be shared with other stakeholders.
“The Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline project, if constructed, will be the largest infrastructure project ever built in North America. PNWER commends Human Resources and Skills Development Canada for its leadership in supporting this survey of workforce needs for this important project,” said the Honourable John van Dongen, President of PNWER.
A total of $26,218 for the Alaska Pipeline Labour Issues Survey project is being provided through the Sector Council Program administered by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) is an international group, incorporated in both the United States and Canada. With offices in both countries, PNWER works to address a broad range of inter-connected subjects, ranging from environmental impacts of coastal shipping through cross‑border utilization of water to regional labour market mobility issues.
The Alaska Pipeline Labour Issues Survey project, which will be undertaken by PNWER, will help focus attention on labour market opportunities, providing employers and workers with sufficient lead time to prepare to maximize their participation.
These opportunities will range from supplying materials, equipment and personnel for the pipeline project to providing auxiliary services to oil and gas exploration activities, as well as developing other resources such as mines made accessible through additional transportation infrastructure.
