PCA and CLAC Applaud Sault Council for Supporting Fair and Open Tendering

Sault Ste. Marie (December 11, 2017) – The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) and CLAC are delighted by Sault Council’s overwhelming show of support for fair and open construction tendering. Council has passed a resolution to begin the process of changing its “construction employer” status.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the leadership that Councillor Mathew Shoemaker has shown on this issue as well as the tremendous support of the Mayor and members of Council,” said Karen Renkema, Public Affairs Manager at PCA. “We look forward to continuing to work with Council to free the City from the 30-year reign of construction labour monopolies, once and for all.”

A growing and compelling body of research by the Cardus think tank shows local taxpayers have been paying a 20 to 30 percent premium on municipal construction projects. Based on the City’s own infrastructure estimates over the next three years, taxpayers could be overcharged at least $8 million for future construction work.

In addition to requesting a resolution supporting fair and open tendering, PCA and CLAC asked Sault Council to actively press for an amendment to Section 126 of Ontario’s Labour Relations Act as well as work with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to make fair and open construction tendering a priority issue.

“We fully appreciate that the pursuit of a non-construction employer designation is not easy,” said Andrew Regnerus, Ontario Construction Coordinator at CLAC. “However, it will benefit local workers, contractors and the public by treating them more fairly and preventing the waste of millions more in tax dollars.”

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.

CLAC, formed in 1952, is one of Canada’s fastest-growing unions. Operating through 15 member centres, it is the country’s largest national, independent, multi-sector union representing over 60,000 workers in almost every sector. Based on values of respect, dignity, and fairness, CLAC is committed to building better workplaces, better communities, and better lives.

For further information contact:

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

Andrew Regnerus, aregnerus@clac.ca 905-328-1906