The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has welcomed Trades NL’s endorsement of the province’s new agreement to develop the Churchill Falls and Gull Island projects. Trades NL, which represents 14 building trades unions and thousands of skilled trades workers across the province, expressed support for the agreement due to its significant employment and economic benefits for Newfoundland and Labrador workers.
The endorsement follows the province’s recent announcement of a new agreement with the Governments of Canada and Quebec to advance the development of Churchill Falls, Gull Island, related transmission infrastructure, and wind energy projects. Provincial officials say the agreement will generate substantial employment opportunities while ensuring that local workers remain the primary beneficiaries of these major developments.
What Does the Agreement Mean for Workers?
The provincial government has announced that employment benefits originally negotiated for the Gull Island project will now be extended to additional projects associated with the agreement, including:
- Churchill Falls upgrades, creating new opportunities for skilled trades workers and contractors throughout the province.
- Labrador transmission infrastructure projects, supporting long-term construction and workforce development opportunities.
- New wind energy developments, helping expand Newfoundland and Labrador’s renewable energy sector while creating additional employment opportunities.
- An 85% local labour commitment, guaranteeing that 85% of all construction person-hours will remain in Newfoundland and Labrador, with priority given to qualified Labrador Innu, qualified Labradorians, and qualified Newfoundlanders
Workforce and Economic Impact
The projects are expected to become one of the largest employment-generating initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history. Provincial leaders indicate that the developments will create thousands of well-paying skilled trades jobs while supporting apprenticeships, workforce training, and career opportunities for future generations of workers.
Beyond employment, the projects are expected to stimulate economic growth across the province through increased construction activity, local procurement opportunities, and long-term operations and maintenance work. Government and industry representatives believe the developments will help retain skilled workers, attract new talent, and strengthen local communities for years to come.
Quick Facts
- Trades NL has officially endorsed the province’s Churchill Falls and Gull Island agreement.
Trades NL represents 14 building trades unions and thousands of skilled trades workers across Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization’s endorsement reflects strong confidence in the agreement’s potential to create employment opportunities, support workforce development, and generate long-term economic benefits for workers and their communities. - Employment commitments will apply across multiple major projects.
The provincial government has confirmed that employment benefits initially negotiated for the Gull Island project will also apply to Churchill Falls upgrades, Labrador transmission infrastructure, and future wind energy developments. This expansion is intended to maximize local participation and ensure that workers benefit from all aspects of the broader energy development plan. - An 85% local labour guarantee has been announced.
Under the agreement, 85% of all construction person-hours will remain within Newfoundland and Labrador. Priority hiring will be given to qualified Labrador Innu, followed by qualified Labrador residents and Newfoundlanders. This commitment is designed to keep employment opportunities, wages, and economic benefits within the province while strengthening local communities and the skilled trades workforce. - The Gull Island project alone could employ up to 5,000 workers during peak construction.
As one of the largest energy infrastructure projects in the province’s history, Gull Island is expected to generate substantial demand for skilled trades workers across multiple occupations. The project is anticipated to provide significant employment opportunities over several years while supporting local businesses, contractors, and suppliers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. - The agreement is expected to support apprenticeships and workforce development.
Beyond immediate construction jobs, the projects are expected to create pathways for apprentices, recent graduates, and individuals entering the skilled trades. Government and labour leaders have emphasized the importance of training the next generation of workers while ensuring long-term employment opportunities in construction, operations, and maintenance. - The projects are expected to help retain skilled workers in the province.
By creating thousands of well-paying jobs locally, the developments could reduce the need for skilled trades professionals to seek employment outside Newfoundland and Labrador. Provincial leaders believe this will help workers build careers closer to home while supporting families, communities, and regional economic growth. - Officials describe the agreement as one of the largest job-creating investments in provincial history.
According to the provincial government, the combined Churchill Falls, Gull Island, transmission, and wind energy developments are expected to create thousands of jobs, generate billions in economic activity, and deliver lasting benefits for generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians
Conclusion
The endorsement from Trades NL highlights strong labour sector support for Newfoundland and Labrador’s new Churchill Falls and Gull Island agreement. With major commitments to local hiring, workforce development, and job creation, the projects are expected to deliver significant economic benefits while creating long-term career opportunities for skilled trades workers across the province
By extending employment guarantees across multiple energy and infrastructure projects, the province aims to maximize local participation and ensure that economic benefits remain within Newfoundland and Labrador. Provincial leaders view the agreement as a transformative opportunity to strengthen communities, retain skilled workers, and support sustainable economic growth for future generations.