December, 2004
Editor,
Toronto Star
Re: "So that's why we aren't moving."
A major highway is closed for most of the day, paralyzing traffic in the largest city in Canada. Appointments, meetings and flights are missed, because, as you report, "cleanups take longer than necessary because contractors are reluctant to do anything until
payment is guaranteed."
This story is a graphic illustration of the importance of public service, and the problems with contracting out highway work to private companies; a practice which accelerated under Mike Harris.
Let this serve as a reminder to the Liberal government as they consider further privatizing important services: It's always faster, cheaper, safer and there is more accountability when public service work is provided "in house" by trained and experienced public
servants.
Leah Casselman, President
Ontario Public Service Employees Union
MTO Campaign Index Page
