British Columbia ironworkers union endorses Clark’s Liberals

VICTORIA—A British Columbia construction union is throwing its support behind Premier Christy Clark in the coming election campaign, saying her government’s jobs plan provides work for its members.

Doug Parton, an Ironworkers’ International business manager, said Wednesday the NDP’s opposition to major projects that include the Site C dam, George Massey bridge and proposed liquefied natural gas projects hurts employment opportunities for the union’s more than 1,800 members in B.C.

“We may not agree with Premier Christy Clark on every issue, or the B.C. Liberals, but we believe their plan for economic growth, for apprenticeship training and all the lunch bucket, kitchen table issues that affect our members are the right ones for us, said Parton of the union’s Local 97.

Parton said the union never officially endorsed the Liberals in the past and the support does not mean individual members will vote for the party.

NDP Leader John Horgan said the union’s endorsement does not represent the mood of B.C.’s labour movement, which traditionally supports the New Democrats.

Horgan said he supports LNG developments with conditions, and there’s not enough evidence that Site C or George Massey project should be built.

The ironworkers’ announcement at a Victoria condominium construction site saw Clark, wearing a hard hat, receive the endorsement surrounded by about two dozen workers.

“I support working people,”said Clark. “But the only way we can support working people is by supporting work in B.C. That means supporting LNG. It means supporting Site C.”

The election is scheduled for May 9.