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Unifor Local 975 urges gas companies to "Keep it in the Pipe" with a campaign led by Unifor's Energy Sector Council to win stricter regulations to reduce methane emissions in Canada’s oil and gas sector. Improving the energy infrastructure fights climate change, creates good jobs, and protect the health and safety of workers and communities alike.
The campaign calls on the provincial and federal government to:
Convene a meeting with industry and unions: The government should bring together oil and gas companies and unions to establish best practices for reducing methane leaks throughout the supply chain. Workers are key to making these solutions successful and should be involved in planning and implementation.
Invest in technology: Federal and provincial governments should direct ministries and government research councils to assist in the development and deployment of new technology in methane leak detection and reduction. This will not only cut emissions but also create good-paying, unionized jobs in areas like manufacturing, construction, and preventive maintenance.
Close regulatory gaps: Ensure regulations apply to the entire gas supply chain, including distribution networks, which currently account for significant methane leaks. A focus on both upstream and downstream emissions will help Canada meet its climate goals while keeping communities safe.
Reduce flaring and venting: Implement stricter regulations to reduce the flaring and venting of natural gas, as there are already technologies available to capture and reuse these gases. We must eliminate exemptions that allow unnecessary pollution.
Enhance leak detection and repairs: All oil and gas facilities should be required to conduct annual inspections and detected leaks must be repaired promptly. Third-party inspections should be allowed to ensure transparency and accountability.