The Lower Churchill Construction Projects Benefits Strategy released today by the Provincial Government will ensure opportunities for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador during the construction phase of the Lower Churchill development. The strategy includes at least 21.5 million person hours of construction employment on two hydroelectric developments at Gull Island and Muskrat Falls, as well as the Labrador-Island Transmission Link, and at least 6.5 million in engineering and project management person hours and specific Gender Equity and Diversity Programs.

"The Lower Churchill Project is the most attractive, undeveloped hydroelectric project in North America and has the potential to provide significant long-term benefits to the province through the generation and transmission of clean, renewable energy," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "Through the Lower Churchill Construction Projects Benefits Strategy with Nalcor Energy-Lower Churchill Project, the employment and business activity during the construction phase of this project will bring tremendous opportunities to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

Work related to the generation projects will include construction of the Gull Island and the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric developments. The development of these two hydroelectric facilities will provide at least 5.5 million person hours of engineering and project management employment and 19 million person hours of construction employment in the province.

The benefits strategy also applies to the construction of the Labrador-Island Transmission Link, a High Voltage Direct Current (HVdc) system from central Labrador to the area of Soldiers Pond on the island portion of the province. This work will result in at least one million person hours of engineering and project management employment and 2.5 million person hours of construction employment in the province.

Minister Dunderdale stated that the Lower Churchill Construction Projects Benefits Strategy is similar to benefits arrangements the Provincial Government has with oil and mining companies as it outlines work to be performed in the province for the benefit of industry and employees.

"The Lower Churchill Construction Projects Benefits Strategy clearly outlines the kinds of activities and procedures which will be followed by Nalcor Energy, its contractors and sub-contractors regarding employment and business benefits," said Minister Dunderdale. "The Lower Churchill Project will be of great benefit to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Gender Equity and Diversity programs are critical components of this strategy. Coupled with the Lower Churchill Project Impacts and Benefits Agreement awaiting ratification by the membership of the Innu Nation in Labrador, these initiatives emphasize our government's commitment to the people of our province to achieve maximum benefit from resource projects."

To ensure these benefits and opportunities flow to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government, through the Lower Churchill Construction Project Benefits Strategy, will work with Nalcor Energy-Lower Churchill Project to continue to enhance and build necessary relationships with key industry stakeholders, educational institutions, labour unions and Aboriginal governments and groups. This will assist with the development and implementation of Gender Equity and Diversity programs for all phases of the project.

Project management activities will be executed within the province with the appropriate site management offices set up in Labrador and other areas of the province as required. Local contractors, service providers, consultants and suppliers will be made aware of any opportunities associated with the Lower Churchill Project. These groups will have full and fair access to participate on a competitive basis for opportunities provided by the Lower Churchill Benefits Strategy.