Government Relations
Advocating for Canada’s Pipeline Construction Industry
For over 70 years, the PLCAC has been a national voice of Canada’s unionized pipeline construction industry, engaging with governments at all levels to advance policies that support safe, reliable and competitive energy infrastructure.
PLCAC ensures that the expertise and perspectives of our members help shape discussions on workforce development, Indigenous economic participation, safety & environment stewardship and energy & infrastructure policies.
PLCAC is committed to ensuring the pipeline construction industry has a strong voice in Canada’s policy and regulatory discussions.
On Friday, July 3, 2026, Kevin O’Donnell, Pipe Line Contractors Association of Canada (PLCAC) Executive Director and the Board of Directors for the Canadian Pipeline Advisory Council (CPAC) met in Calgary with the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Honourable John Zerucelli, Canada’s Secretary for Labour. The discussion focused on the future of Canada’s pipeline industry, the importance of developing a strong and highly skilled workforce, Indigenous partnerships, and the role that major infrastructure projects play in supporting long-term economic growth in Canada.
The recent announcements affecting Canada’s energy sector were recognized as positive developments for the pipeline industry. For the PLCAC and CPAC members, these measures represent an important step toward ensuring that Canadian workers and contractors remain at the forefront of delivering projects that strengthen energy security, support Indigenous participation, create high-quality jobs, and contribute to Canada’s economic prosperity.By working together, government, union partners, Indigenous partners, and industry partners, we can all ensure that Canada’s skilled workforce meets the future energy demands while supporting communities and economic development across the country. The Time Is Now!
In June 2026, the Pipe Line Contractors Association of Canada attended the 2026 Future of Energy Forum organized by the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce. The keynote speaker Hon. Stephen Lecce discussed the future of energy in Ontario and the government’s priorities for building affordable, reliable and resilient energy system that will support the increase in demand in Ontario.
Kevin O’Donnell, PLCAC Executive Director, was a guest on the sector panel that discussed the national priorities regarding east-west infrastructure and the long-term support needed for growth and reliability. He emphasized that Canada has the resources and expertise to be a global energy leader. In order to achieve that potential, it requires collaboration between industry, educators, governments, and Indigenous partners. Most importantly, we need an efficient and stable regulatory process and environment.
On Friday, October 24, 2025, PLCAC Executive Director Kevin O’Donnell held a meeting with the Hon. John Zerucelli, Member of Parliament and Canada’s Secretary of State for Labour, at the PLCAC office where they discussed the association’s commitment to being the national voice of Canada’s unionized pipeline constructors.
The meeting included a discussion on the PLCAC’s 70-year history of successful labour relations, advanced skill training & apprenticeship, best in practice for safety in the workforce, and industry and national leadership on Indigenous relations.
