The Pipeline: What Next
Periodical profile published 1977

Publisher:  Gatt-Fly Newsletter, 11 Madison Ave., Toronto, Ont., M5R 2S2, Canada
Year Published:  1977
Pages:  4pp   Resource Type:  Serial Publication (Periodical)
Cx Number:  CX477

Included in this newsletter are questions and concerns about: Food and Agriculture, Workers & Runaway Investment, and a report on the Sugar Workers International Conference held in Trinidad.

Abstract: 
Included in this newsletter are questions and concerns about: Food and Agriculture, Workers & Runaway Investment, and a report on the Sugar Workers International Conference held in Trinidad.

The issue of the month is The Pipeline: What Next? The article discusses the complications of the agreement to build the Alcan pipeline, the first of these being that the agreement was made without settling the Yukon Indians land claims. For Canadians to benefit, cost over-runs must be kept to below 35%. A recent U.S. study reveals that an average cost over-run in 12 major construction projects is 121%. The Canadian government claims the pipeline will create 100.000 "man-years" of employment in this country. In reality, after construction is finished, only 200 permanent jobs will be created in the North.

The newsletter concludes by saying: "The Alcan pipeline is only one project among many resource developments (roads, mines and pulp mills are also slated for the North) that are making the Canadian economy even more dependent upon transnational corporate decisions and less responsive to the needs of working Canadians. Despite the government 'decision', it is important to remember that the pipeline is not yet built; the money not yet borrowed. The government may hope that opposition to this proposed disaster may now fade; but it is our duty - and remains our option - to continue to oppose it and to support the investment of our taxes, labour and resources where we, and not the corporations, need it."