Be wary of P3s, CUPE warns

The public-private partnership (P3) model may not be the best way to finance construction of schools and other public infrastructure, says the head of Canada’s largest union.

“If this isn’t working elsewhere in Canada, Saskatchewan should be wary,” Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) president Paul Moist said.

Moist was in Saskatoon Friday speaking to 100 delegates at the Western Canadian Municipal Workers’ Conference at the Radisson Hotel. He noted the Alberta government on Wednesday abandoned plans to use the P3 model to build 19 schools. Only one private sector bidder came forward, and the bid was deemed millions higher than a public sector-only model.

The Saskatchewan government said this week it plans to go ahead with the P3 model for nine new joint-use schools.

Moist said Saskatchewan school trustees and voters should make P3s an issue in the fall trustee elections around the province.

If the Saskatchewan government insists on using the P3 model, it should at least follow the lead of Manitoba and disclose all financial details, he said. “The devil is in the details.” He said the federal government should also halt its practice of forcing municipalities to use P3s for new infrastructure projects.

Moist said the Saskatchewan government is using other methods to privatize public services. He cited Premier Brad Wall’s recent musings on expanding the number of private liquor stores.

Moist said all governments, but particularly those in Saskatchewan, should move carefully when tampering with proven, effective public services.

“I think you will rile up the people of Saskatchewan if you move too quickly.”