CBTU Statement Regarding Line 5
Today, Executive Director of Canada’s Building Trades Unions, Sean Strickland, released the following statement after the Government of Canada invoked the 1977 Treaty (Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America Concerning Transit Pipelines):
“Canada’s Building Trades Unions are fully in support of the Government of Canada’s actions to ensure the safe and continued operation of Enbridge’s Line 5 to protect thousands of jobs on both sides of the border. By invoking the 1977 Treaty, the Government of Canada has initiated a process that allows for them to negotiate directly with the Government of the United States. According to the Treaty, “any dispute between the Parties regarding the interpretation, application or operation of this Agreement shall, so far as possible, be settled by negotiation between them.”
Cancelling the easement for Line 5 will not only threaten our energy security and drive consumer prices through the roof, it will cost thousands of workers their livelihood. From the petrochemical industry in Sarnia, ON, to the refineries in Ohio, and industries in Michigan and Quebec, the Building Trades annually, work millions of manhours to service and maintain industries supplied by Line 5. Over 30,000 jobs are expected to be lost if Line 5 is shut down. The importance of Line 5 for workers cannot be understated.
We’re strongly advocating to protect the jobs connected to the continued safe operation of Line 5 while looking forward to the partnership between Enbridge and the Building Trades to build the Great Lakes Tunnel project.
Canada’s Building Trades Unions commend the Government on their Team Canada approach, recognizing the importance of Line 5 to Canadian jobs and our energy security, invoking the Treaty is a testament to their commitment.”
Sean Strickland
Executive Director
Canada’s Building Trades Unions
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