Legislation Designed to Support Workers Moving Away From Oil and Gas Industry Poised to Pass

June 18, 2024 TruthUSA

The Liberal government’s Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, which is aimed at transitioning oil and gas sector workers into green energy jobs across Canada, is set to receive royal assent and become law on June 18.

Bill C-50, introduced by Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson in June 2023, seeks to establish a framework for promoting economic growth, sustainable job creation, and supporting workers and communities in Canada’s shift to a net-zero economy.

The legislation will establish a “Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council” to advise the cabinet on the transition and require the federal government to present a “Sustainable Jobs Action Plan” to Parliament every five years.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau believes the bill will create many middle-class jobs in the energy sector, especially in Alberta, and recognizes energy workers as essential in building a stronger future for Canada and the world.

Formerly known as the “Just Transition” act, Bill C-50 was renamed the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, inspired by a United Nations term describing an economic transition that supports climate goals while ensuring workers have stable, well-paying jobs.

While facing opposition from several provinces, Alberta expressed concerns about the impact on over 2.7 million workers highlighted in a June 2022 briefing note related to the legislation’s effect on specific industrial sectors in Canada.

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A 2022 briefing note referred to by Mr. Wilkinson mentioned five sectors in the Canadian economy where significant transformation would occur due to the transition to a low-carbon economy, with provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador being disproportionately affected. Mr. Wilkinson clarified that the figures in the briefing were related to overall workforce sizes and not expected job losses, assuring that workers would easily find new green jobs.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith accused the government of trying to close the province’s oil and gas industry and vowed to ensure its survival for years to come.

Senator Yussuff emphasized the proactive nature of the Canadian government’s plan to benefit workers in the transition to a net-zero economy, contrasting it with historical transitions like the industrial revolution or the collapse of the groundfishery in Atlantic Canada.

Senator Diane Bellemare praised the bill as a comprehensive response to the urgent transition to a net-zero economy, aiming to protect Canada’s standard of living and reverse the trend of declining per capita standards. She voiced concerns about the effectiveness of Ottawa’s institutional mechanisms and insufficient funding for implementing the plan.

Senator David Wells opposed the legislation, arguing that it would divert oil and gas workers from sustainable and well-paying jobs. He criticized the impact on Canadian emissions and the potential loss of opportunities for indigenous oil and gas workers.

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