2017 Provincial Election: What’s at stake for CUPE members?

Dear CUPE member, I believe Stephen McNeil ‘s Liberal government is not listening to Nova Scotians. Time and again, the choices made by the McNeil government have been out of touch with the needs of workers, their families and our communities. The McNeil government deserves to be defeated. Just look at their track record. A public health care system in crisis, budget cuts to nursing homes, threats to privatize home support services, tuition fee hikes, picking fights with unions, failing to create good jobs. . . the list goes on. On Tuesday, May 30 you have the opportunity to vote for progressive NDP candidates who will stand up for working people and their families. A number of the NDP candidates are CUPE members, prepared to fight for you in our legislature. Together we can do this. Every vote counts! Nan McFadgen President , CUPE Nova Scotia The McNeil government’s attack … Read more…

What provincial auditors have said about P3s – Fact Sheet

Over the years, provincial auditors across the country have questioned the financial rationale for using public-private partnerships (P3s) to build public infrastructure. Provincial auditors are independent officers of legislative assemblies who review government finances and decision-making to ensure public funds are spent in an efficient and accountable manner. A number of P3s have now been reviewed by provincial and federal auditors and the verdict is bad. Auditors have found that P3s cost more than traditional public projects, use questionable methodology, lack accountability and do not transfer risk to the private sector. Ontario In her 2014 Report, Ontario’s Auditor General reviewed 74 P3 projects and concluded that they cost the province $8 billion more than if they had been procured publicly. The majority of this— $6.5 billion—was due to higher private-sector financing costs. She also questioned the main justification for using P3s–the assertion that they transferred risk to the private sector. … Read more…

10 problems with P3s

Across Canada, some governments are promoting privatizing public infrastructure and services through public-private partnerships, also known as P3s. In a P3 deal, private corporations make a profit from financing, operating and/or maintaining public infrastructure projects. Municipal or provincial governments, school boards or health authorities sign contracts with private corporations to design, build, operate and sometimes finance infrastructure and deliver services that were once public. These contracts can last 30 years or longer. Working with our allies, CUPE has helped keep many vital services public, because we know they keep our province strong. P3s are privatization, pure and simple. There are many reasons public works best to build and maintain long-term care facilities, hospitals, water and wastewater treatment facilities, schools, transit systems, roads, bridges and other vital assets. Here are 10:  P3s cost the public more Private, for-profit corporations get involved with P3s to make a profit for their shareholders. Those … Read more…