By The Canadian Press

B.C. government sets out new hiring rules for provincial infrastructure projects

Jul 16, 2018 | 2:43 PM

BURNABY — British Columbia government projects worth billions of dollars will now be built under a so-called Community Benefits Agreement that sets out job training, who can work on the projects and the wages to be paid.

The agreement is aimed at boosting apprenticeship opportunities and hiring more women, Indigenous people and other under-represented workers who will be organized under a new Crown corporation BC Infrastructure Benefits Inc.

Premier John Horgan says the framework will make it a priority to hire local workers and provide good wages for people building roads, bridges, transit and hospitals.

The first two projects to be delivered under the plan will be the new $1.3-billion Pattullo Bridge and the four-lane expansion between Kamloops and the Alberta boundary on Highway 1.

The Independent Contractors and Business Association says it’s a regressive move towards a labour monopoly that will raise the cost of provincial projects.

free repairs

'All around win-win situation:' have your items fixed by neighbours at Oceanside repair cafe

3h ago

time served

Nanaimo man caught with over 30g of illicit drugs avoids additional jail time

17h ago

big return

Senior women's box lacrosse returns to Nanaimo after 10+ year absence

17h ago

Tom Sigurdson of the B.C. and Yukon Building Trades Council says the change will help apprentices, boost the labour force and ensure projects are built on time and on budget.

The Canadian Press