Oil and gas workers struggling in the wake of collapsed oil prices want to try their hand at clean energy jobs and have asked the federal government to help make that transition a reality.
Members of Iron and Earth, a Canadian non-profit led by skilled trades workers, released the Workers’ Climate Plan Tuesday, calling on Ottawa to support skills training, increase manufacturing of renewable energy, support trades and unions advocating for renewables and integrate renewables into Canada’s existing energy projects.
The plan demonstrates strong support for the clean energy sector from within the industry workforce — a narrative that conflicts with industry (Read more…) groups like Canada Action that vocally advocate for continued fossil fuel development.
“This isn’t about taking jobs away from people, this is about opening up sustainable opportunities for skilled workers so their families can thrive,” Lliam Hildebrand, a boilermaker in the oilsands and executive director of Iron and Earth, said in a statement.
“We’re giving a voice to real oil and gas workers who deserve a say in these issues and who want a better future.”