CUPE NS 2017 Pre-Budget Submission

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Nova Scotia is a union of more than 19,000 members’ province wide working together for better wages and working conditions, strong public services, and a prosperous economy that is enjoyed by all Nova Scotians. CUPE members work to deliver public services in healthcare, including hospitals, long term care and home care; education, both school boards and post-secondary; municipalities; provincial highways; and community services, among other sectors of the economy. CUPE members are proud to provide services in our communities as we work toward a better society, a better standard of living and safe working conditions for all. Our members do this work every day, and their collective experience equips us to make a positive and informed contribution to the budgeting process of the province. CUPE supports the development of vibrant, healthy communities and strong local economies. A provincial budget that invests in people … Read more…

Back In House: Why Local Governments Are Bringing Services Home

Back In House: Why Local Governments Are Bringing Services Home, a new report from the Columbia Institute, is about the emerging trend of remunicipalization. Municipal services that were once outsourced are finding their way back home. Most often, they are coming home because in-house services cost less. The bottom-line premise of cost savings through outsourcing is not proving to be as advertised. Download a printable copy of Back In House: Why Local Governments Are Bringing Services Home Other reasons for insourcing include better quality control, flexibility, efficiency in operations, problems with contractors, increased staff capacity, better staff morale, and better support for vulnerable citizens. When services are brought back in house, local governments re-establish community control of public service delivery. The report examines the Canadian environment for local governments, shares 15 Canadian case studies about returning services, follows-up and reports back on two earlier studies promoting contracted out services, provides a scan of international … Read more…