Trades NL backs new Churchill Falls and Gull Island deal

Trades NL is backing the Newfoundland and Labrador government’s new agreement to develop Churchill Falls and Gull Island, which the province says will create thousands of skilled trades jobs.

Trades NL represents 14 building trades unions and thousands of skilled trades workers across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Premier Tony Wakeham says the agreement, announced August 17 alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney, Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro-Québec, secures significant employment opportunities for workers in the province.

The provincial government is extending employment benefits already in place for the Gull Island project to other developments, including Churchill Falls upgrades, Labrador transmission and wind development.

Under the agreement, 85 per cent of all person-hours worked during construction will remain in Newfoundland and Labrador. Priority will be given to qualified Labrador Innu, followed by qualified Labradorians and qualified Newfoundlanders.

The Gull Island project is expected to employ as many as 5,000 workers at peak construction.

The government says the projects will create thousands of skilled trades jobs and provide opportunities for younger workers to build careers in the province.

“Our new and better deal for Churchill Falls and Gull Island is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador,” Wakeham said.

“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.”

Wakeham says construction needs to begin quickly and encouraged skilled trades workers in Newfoundland and Labrador and those working elsewhere to prepare for the opportunities ahead.

“This agreement will create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, generate billions in revenue, and deliver lasting benefits for all of us,” he said.