Site C fuels jobs debate
The Canadian Press - Apr 18, 2017 - BC Biz

Photo: The Canadian Press

Christy Clark used the Site C dam megaproject in northern British Columbia as a backdrop today to campaign on the Liberal party’s record on jobs and economic growth.

The Liberal leader says the multibillion-dollar BC Hydro project under construction near Fort St. John will mean clean energy and employment for the province.

NDP Leader John Horgan says he wants the project sent to the B.C. Utilities Commission for a review on whether it should proceed.

The dam is two years into construction and has been approved by the federal government, but Horgan did not directly answer a question as he campaigned in North Delta on whether a review by the utilities commission could realistically stop the project.

He says every project ever built before Site C underwent a review by the independent regulatory body, but this time Clark pushed ahead with the project and the public has a right to know whether there is a solid business case for it.

Horgan also announced an expanded apprenticeship and trades training program under a New Democrat government. By investing in tomorrow’s workforce, Horgan says they will fill the 96,000 jobs that would be created with school, hospital, highway and home construction.

“Apprenticeships are the best way to train the workforce of tomorrow,” he said in a statement.

Clark says Site C has been a job creator for the province.

“Site C means thousands of jobs and 100 years of clean, affordable, and reliable power — enough for 450,000 B.C. homes,” Clark said in a statement. “It means being ready to meet increasing demand as Canada’s leading economy continues to grow.”


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