Michels Canada announced Tuesday, June 23, that it has been awarded the contract from TC Energy Corporation to construct 260km of the Keystone XL Pipeline Project in Alberta.

“Michels Canada is pleased to be selected to build the Keystone XL Pipeline Project, which will bring with it thousands of good-paying jobs and economic benefits to local communities along the pipeline route. We look forward to initiating construction this summer and take pride in our reputation for delivering quality work safely and with care for the environment,” said Dean Cowling, President, Michels Canada.

Michels Canada will be directly responsible for hiring a projected 1,000 workers each year over the two-year construction period, with special emphasis placed on hiring locally and giving priority to qualified local and indigenous businesses. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer near Oyen and finish near Hardisty in the spring of 2022.

Premier Jason Kenney reacted to Tuesday’s announcement in response to the news. “Today’s announcement that Nisku-based contractor Michels Canada will construct the Alberta portion of the Keystone XL pipeline confirms thousands of new jobs will begin to fuel the provincial economy within weeks.

“After several months of bleak economic news, it’s invigorating to see Alberta’s investment in Keystone XL begin to pay off with confirmation of the imminent hiring of 1,000 construction workers each year over the next two years.

“This will spur thousands more jobs and economic activity in associated trades, retail, and hospitality services in communities along the route when construction begins this summer. It’s another significant step in fulfilling our commitment to Albertans to protect the value of the province’s energy resources and attract new investment.”

Michels has worked in the Flagstaff Region before, in 2014 the company was in the area working on the Energy-2 East Pipeline project.