The province released its 2017 Long Term Energy Plan (LTEP) Oct. 26. It’s the first energy blueprint released since 2013 and is a road map that sets out the direction for Ontario’s energy future.
Thousands of people from across Ontario were engaged in the development of the LTEP during a consultation and engagement process took place from October 2016 to January 2017.
The Renewable Energy Alliance of Ontario (REAO) provided input during the consultation process. Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher had spearheaded formation of the REAO, bringing together a broad coalition of employers, labour and industry groups, to ensure that renewable energy continues to play a vital role in Ontario’s energy mix.
The REAO presented a brief to the Minister of Energy that made five recommendations for the LTEP.
Members of the union and coalition also attended the consultation sessions across the province.
The involvement of Local 793 and the REAO was acknowledged in the new LTEP.
The report stated:
“The tremendous growth of Ontario’s clean tech and renewable energy sectors has attracted billions of dollars in investment to Ontario and led to the creation of thousands of new jobs across many trades and professions. That explains why a broad coalition of employers, labour and industry groups, including the International Union of Operating Engineers, the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) and the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario, support Ontario’s investment in renewable energy.”
Following is a statement on the LTEP from Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher:
For Immediate Release
Oct. 26, 2017
CONSTRUCTION UNION LAUDS LONG TERM ENERGY PLAN
OAKVILLE — Mike Gallagher, business manager of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, says the Long Term Energy Plan released today by the province is a step in the right direction because it ensures nuclear and renewable energy projects remain part of the mix.
“On behalf of the more than than 14,500 IUOE Local 793 members, I applaud Premier Kathleen Wynne and her Liberal government for showing a continued commitment to both nuclear and renewable energy projects because they provide reliable, near-endless sources of clean, low-cost electricity for families and businesses as well as long-term employment for Operating Engineers.”
Gallagher said the plan reaffirms that renewables are increasingly competitive with conventional energy sources and will continue to play a key role in helping Ontario meet its climate change goals, and that Ontario will move forward refurbishing six nuclear units at the Bruce Power plant and four units at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station between 2016 and 2033.
“This plan ensures the province will be able to generate the affordable power it needs for current and future demand while reducing greenhouse gases and protecting the health of Ontarians.”
In addition to his role as union leader, Gallagher is a director on the Renewable Energy Alliance of Ontario (REAO), which is a broad coalition of employers, labour and industry groups dedicated to ensuring renewable energy continues to play a vital role in Ontario’s energy mix. The REAO presented a brief to the Minister of Energy that made five recommendations for the LTEP.
Gallagher said nuclear and renewables are the safest, most economical, environmentally-friendly and healthiest way to produce electricity and are a vital part of the province’s energy plan.
“In the plan, the provincial government has committed to supporting the renewable energy sector. By transitioning to renewables, we are improving our air quality and addressing global warming.”
Gallagher noted that investments in clean energy are benefitting the economy, as projects like wind and solar have invested more than $14 billion in Ontario’s economy, creating more than 200,000 good-paying jobs. The renewables sector is forecast to contribute nearly $5.4 billion to Ontario’s gross domestic product and create 56,500 jobs between 2017 and 2021.
“Ontarians need and want renewable energy and the infrastructure that supports it. I am glad that the government has listened to groups like REAO and indicated that renewables are part of the energy plan going forward.”
Gallagher also said Ontario’s commitment to refurbishment projects at Bruce Power and Darlington Nuclear Generating Sation will ensure that families in Ontario have a stable supply of energy for years to come.
The refurbishment at the Bruce is expected to create 22,000 direct and indirect jobs each year over the term of the project while Darlington is expected to create 11,800 jobs each year over the term of the project.
“Ontario’s nuclear industry contributes more than $5 billion annually to Canada’s economy and supports about 50,000 Ontario jobs,” he said. “I am hopeful that the Long Term Energy Plan released today helps Ontario move to a lower carbon economy.”
Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers represents more than 14,500 highly-skilled crane and heavy equipment operators across Ontario. The union has a head office, banquet hall and training campus in Oakville, and another training campus in Morrisburg.
For additional information contact:
Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher
905-469-9299, ext. 202
Business manager Gallagher was also quoted in a statement on the Bruce Power website. Click here for the statement.
The Renewable Energy Alliance of Ontario also issued a statement on the LTEP. Click here for the statement.