Editor:
Re: Burnaby TMX workers must keep their distance, NOW Letters
We are all adjusting to the new reality as a result of COVID-19; changing day-to-day routines; practicing physical distancing; paying strict attention to hygiene standards; and dealing with changing circumstances every day. During this challenging time, Trans Mountain’s priority has been and continues to be, the health and safety of our workforce, their families and our communities.
Trans Mountain has been a part of the community in Burnaby for more than 60 years. We are proud to provide an essential service, bringing fuel to British Columbians and providing access to markets for Canada’s oil producers.
Due to the implementation, and monitoring of strict COVID-19 procedures, the construction of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project has continued safely and uninterrupted throughout this pandemic situation.
Trans Mountain’s pandemic response plans have worked well, we have implemented all recommendations from Health Canada, B.C Health authorities, and we have incorporated best practices from the Construction Industry of Canada. Together, with our construction contractors, we are minimizing the number of people working at our terminals and worksites through a work-from-home approach wherever possible and we are restricting access at our control centres.
We are following physical distancing measures on-site and in offices through staggering work shifts and decreasing the number of people being transported in buses and vehicles. We are also screening the workforce through temperature testing prior to entry to the worksites and have implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols. We have all the necessary protection equipment for our workers, we are ensuring we have inventory for the weeks and months ahead and we have safety personnel on site to monitor and provide ongoing training to ensure adherence to all measures. The pandemic situation and best health advice is constantly evolving and we continue to update our protocols regularly.
At Trans Mountain, we are proud to be a part of the community in Burnaby, providing an essential service locally and to be building a Project of national importance. While these are uncertain times, we are making every effort to ensure that we can continue to do our work safely and responsibly.
Ian Anderson, president and CEO, Trans Mountain Corporation
