A shortage of oil and gas workers is a big problem, according to Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan. His remarks follow a report estimating cabinet’s climate change plan threatens 170,000 energy jobs..“We are not transitioning jobs out of the sector,” O’Regan testified at the House of Commons natural resources committee. “To be honest with you, and this certainly has been my focus since I’ve taken on this new role as labour minister, our biggest problem is we don’t have enough workers.”.“We don’t have enough workers in just about any industry in this country but most particularly and poignantly we don’t have enough workers in the energy industry and in the oil and gas industry,” said O’Regan..According to Blacklock's Reporter, the federal government has promised since 2015 legislation on a “just transition” to new jobs for oil and gas workers. O’Regan said he was aware of “the deep-seated anxiety amongst oil and gas workers whenever the words ‘just’ and ‘transition’ are mentioned,” adding: “Honestly we have to keep people in the industry.”.“Explain why action wasn’t taken on legislation sooner,” asked Liberal MP Viviane Lapointe (Sudbury, Ont.). “We want to deliver a comprehensive action plan,” replied O’Regan..“Why are we talking about just transition?” asked New Democrat MP Charlie Angus (Timmins-James Bay, Ont.). “Why not just say, ‘Hey, we’ve got to find more workers in the oil sector, we’ve got overseas markets, that’s our focus’? Why are we talking about just transition?”.“I wish I existed in your world where magic wands make things happen, but they don’t," O'Regan said..The federal Environment Commissioner in an April 26 report said at least 170,000 direct fossil fuel jobs faced elimination if cabinet attempts to enforce its climate change program. “Across Canada more than 50 communities depend on these sectors,” said the report..Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, the minister responsible for the just transition plan, said last November 5 a bill was pending “in the next couple of months.” None has been tabled to date.
