British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): CentreBC Leader Elenore Sturko has welcomed the federal government’s decision to designate the proposed Pacific Link pipeline as a project of national interest, while announcing a commitment to increase funding for skilled-trades training in British Columbia by $60 million.
Sturko said the large-scale energy project could bring significant investment and employment opportunities to the province, making workforce preparation an important part of ensuring local residents can benefit from the construction and related economic activity.
The Pacific Link pipeline is expected to carry as much as one million barrels of crude oil each day from Alberta to a proposed marine terminal near Delta. From there, the oil would be exported to international markets.
According to the statement, the project could create approximately 70,000 jobs in British Columbia. CentreBC said its proposed additional investment in trades training is intended to help prepare workers for employment generated by Pacific Link and other major infrastructure projects.
The federal government has estimated the pipeline could require an investment of between $35.2 billion and $43.7 billion. Its national-interest designation places the proposal among projects considered significant to Canada’s broader economic and infrastructure objectives.
Sturko said expanding access to trades education would give more British Columbians an opportunity to secure employment in construction and other industries connected to major projects.
CentreBC also framed the proposed funding increase as a longer-term investment in the province’s workforce, arguing that stronger training capacity could help residents pursue skilled careers without having to leave British Columbia.
The party said it would continue to support measures aimed at preparing workers for the employment and investment opportunities associated with major infrastructure developments in the province.
