TDSB Snubs Students and Parents by Passing Up on Major Cost Savings

Toronto (July 2, 2019) – In a move that defies logic,the cash-strapped Toronto District School Board has blindly followed the lead of Toronto’s Mayor and City Council,by voting toopt out of Bill 66 and substantial savings, according to the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA). Instead, the school board has endorsed the continuation of a labour monopoly that charges hugely inflated costs for building and repair work and prevents the vast majority of workers and companies from building school projects.

“This board owes students and parents an explanation,” said Sean Reid, Vice President and Regional Director, Ontario, for PCA. “It is completely irresponsible to put the interests of select labour groups ahead of students, teachers and parents.” 

By opting out of Bill 66 and a competitive construction market, the TDSB has missed out on savings of between eight and 15 percent on public construction work. That’s anywhere from $12 million to $26 million in cost savings each and every year, according to the Cardus think tank. It is widely accepted that when there are more bids for construction work, costs come down.

“The TDSB is in no position to pass up on huge savings, and banish good companies and workers from building and repairing schools,” added Reid.

The TDSB has been strongly criticized in the past for its exclusive contract with tradespeople who charged $3,000 to install a school electrical outlet and $143 to install a $17 pencil sharpener.

About the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA)

PCA is the voice of progressive unionized employers in Canada’s construction industry. PCA member companies are leaders in infrastructure construction across Canada, employing more than 25,000 skilled construction workers who are represented primarily by CLAC. PCA promotes fair and open construction tendering in ALL Ontario municipalities.

For further information, contact:

Danna O’Brien, danna@obriencommunications.ca 416-500-0699

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