Since 2019, B.C.’s NDP government has been building major public infrastructure projects by using a labour policy that’s failing local commuters, workers and taxpayers.
Need proof? Look no further than the George Massey Tunnel Replacement project.
It’s a long, nightmarish commute for drivers between Richmond and Delta, or anywhere south of the Fraser River trying to get into the Lower Mainland. But it’s not only years of construction delays and traffic congestion that raise red flags over how the B.C. NDP government has handled the Massey Tunnel Replacement project, a critical piece of public infrastructure.
First, after taxpayers spent more than $60 million on engineering, consultations and preparation work, the B.C. NDP cancelled plans to build a bridge to replace the George Massey Tunnel. That was back in 2017, just before construction was about to start.
Then, after deciding the old tunnel should be replaced by an eight-lane immersed tube tunnel, the B.C. NDP put a costly and regressive labour policy in place. This policy only allows contractors whose workers belong to minority Building Trades Unions to build the massive $4 billion tunnel replacement project, and many other key public projects across B.C.
Shutting good companies and thousands of local workers out of public projects runs counter to any sound fiscal policy. Restricting the pool of labour during an acute labour shortage quite simply defies logic. So does restricting competition on public projects, like the Massey Tunnel Replacement project, which results in fewer bids, and higher construction costs by an average of 21 per cent.
Governments across Canada understand the value of construction competition. Competition leads to more bids. That in turn reduces infrastructure costs and allows governments to build more; more hospitals, more subways, more affordable housing and other priority projects. If B.C. did the same, it would have the funds to keep emergency rooms open or reduce its record deficit.
But B.C.’s NDP doesn’t get it. B.C. is the only province in Canada with policies that bar construction workers and companies from building public projects that their tax dollars help fund.
If fairness and affordability really mattered to the Eby government, it would be rethinking this terrible piece of public policy. But it’s not. Now it’s up to voters to decide on Oct. 19 if they want change or more of the same.
Learn more at fairandopenbc.ca
Dan Baxter is the regional director of the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA)
Authorized by the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada, registered sponsor under the Election Act, PO Box 45031 Westside PO, Victoria BC, V9A 0C9
Disclaimer: This sponsored content has been paid for by our sponsor and does not reflect the views of Richmond News staff.
