September 3, 2025 – Today Trades NL, representing 14,000 skilled trade members, released publicly a deep analysis on the economic and employment impacts of constructing major resource projects in Newfoundland and Labrador over the past 35 years. With over 225,000 JOBS, equating to over 16 BILLION DOLLARS in labour income within the province, the people of the province have set a benchmark for developers looking to benefit from our resources.
Over the past 35 years, Newfoundland and Labrador has developed a world-class workforce by constructing, fabricating ,and maintaining industrial projects. Now, we are seeing increasing amounts of work from our resources constructed out-of-province and out-of-country, taking away good construction jobs and benefits from qualified Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
“Our province has demonstrated over-and-over that we have the capacity to complete world-class construction projects right here at home. Our workers are just coming-off other major projects like the West White Rose CGS and the Voisey’s Bay underground expansion, so they are highly trained, qualified, safe, and waiting to go to work on the next oil and gas or hydro project. And, as demonstrated by the facts, when we construct projects here at home, every Newfoundlander and Labradorian benefits.”
– John Leonard, President, Trades NL
Trades NL is reiterating their support for new developments from our oil, liquified natural gas, mineral, and hydro resources, however, there must be a fair return for the people of the province, including construction workers. For over 40 years, the Atlantic Accord established that Newfoundland and Labrador must be the principal beneficiary of offshore developments. Combined this with today’s analysis from the past 35 years, Trades NL is taking the position that on future resource projects, the minimum amount of construction in Newfoundland and Labrador to be: 68% on oil and gas projects, and 86% on any hydro developments.
“On behalf of the people of the province, Trades NL undertook this deep dive into the economic analysis of past projects. We did so because we wanted to put the facts on the table. So, moving forward, the thresholds are set. We want to ensure both provincial and federal governments take an in-province, in-country measured and maximized approach to constructing these projects because what gets measured ……gets done!”
– Bob Fiander, Executive Director, Trades NL
In the upcoming provincial election, Trades NL is repeating the call for all candidates and political parties to accept the research presented and commit to the minimum construction thresholds. When Newfoundlanders and Labradorians build our province, everyone benefits.
Trades NL is an umbrella labour organization that promotes and coordinates the interests of 14 building and construction trades unions, representing more than 14,000 skilled trades workers in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. For over 75 years, our craft has continued to construct, fabricate, and maintain some of the world’s most complex facilities.
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Media Contact:
Corey Parsons
709-832-5116
cparsons@tradesnl.com