PCA says Enbridge’s pipeline reversal will benefit construction industry

The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) is throwing its support behind Enbridge’s proposed reversal of Line 9 because it believes the pipeline will help sustain jobs in the Canadian construction industry.

The association filed a written argument to the National Energy Board, who is currently hearing Enbridge’s application in Toronto. 

PCA argues large-scale construction projects provide high quality jobs for skilled tradespeople and other workers in communities across Canada, and growth in the oil and construction industries are closely linked.

“Ensuring that oil producers can get their product to market through safe, secure and efficient pipelines will support construction sector jobs across Canada and build a strong foundation to buffer against future economic slowdowns,” said Sean Reid, PCA’s federal and Ontario director.

Enbridge wants to reverse the direction of oil flow in the 831-km pipeline between Sarnia, Ont. and Montreal in order to increase its capacity from 240,000 to 300,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

The Calgary-based gas company is proposing to have oil flow east to refineries in Ontario and Quebec, the direction the line originally pumped crude before it was reversed in the late 1990s.

The contentious pipeline reversal has drawn strong criticism particularly from environmentalists and First Nations.

A section of the line, from Sarnia to North Westover, Ont. (near Hamilton), was approved for reversal in August.