Sault Ste. Marie (May 29, 2017) – The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada
(PCA) congratulates Councillor Shoemaker for his leadership and Sault Council for its
unanimous decision calling for a report into the impact of construction labour
monopolies on local taxpayers.
“Sault taxpayers have been paying 20 to 30 percent too much for construction work
since the late 80s,” said Karen Renkema, of the Progressive Contractors Association of
Canada. “We look forward to seeing a full report detailing an unfairness that’s gone on
far too long.”
Ontario’s outdated labour laws make construction work more expensive in the Sault by
forcing the city to award all municipal projects to contractors affiliated with two unions
only. Local companies and workers are not allowed to bid or work on municipal projects
unless they have ties to those select unions. Research from the Cardus think tank shows
this lack of competition drives up construction costs in the Sault by as much as 20 to 30
percent every year – with taxpayers picking up the tab.
“We’re encouraged that Sault Council has taken an important step in making things right
for local taxpayers, companies and workers,” added Renkema. “Local provincial byelection
candidates also have an opportunity to let people know where they stand on an
issue that effects every single taxpayer in the city.”
PCA has urged the Ontario government to amend its outdated labour laws so that all
cities, including the Sault can openly tender construction work. This would ensure
taxpayers are getting good value, and local companies and workers have an opportunity
to compete for and build important local projects.
The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) is the voice of progressive
unionized employers in Canada’s construction industry. Our member companies employ
more than 25,000 skilled construction workers across Canada.
For further information, contact:
Danna O’Brien: Danna@obriencommunications.ca 416.500.0699
Karen Renkema: krenkema@pcac.ca 416.768.4848