A downturn in the oil and gas industry in Alberta and northern British Columbia is providing a steady supply of skilled workers for the Site C hydroelectric project.
An independent review of the dam project in northeastern B.C. by Ernst and Young says the availability of workers in the Peace River region has increased since 2014 due to decreasing investments in the oil and gas sector and Alberta’s jobless rate of 8.6 per cent.
READ MORE: Three-hour long waits at Site C job fairs in the Peace
Business analysts had warned of potential labour shortages because of a proposed liquefied natural gas project.
B.C. Hydro released the report today, which says Site C construction is on time and on budget.
The Crown corporation’s website says 1,500 workers will be employed at the main dam site by 2018.
The project has faced court challenges by area First Nations.
READ MORE: Courts quash First Nations’ bid to halt Site C
Amnesty International recently called for a stop work order on the project, saying it threatens indigenous rights.
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