FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 11, 2000

Back review of privatized highway maintenance, northwestern mayors urged

DRYDEN - Ontario government employees are turning up the heat in their bid for an independent review of the privatization of provincial highway maintenance.

"Municipal leaders right across the north have criticized the quality of winter road maintenance on provincial highways," said John O’Brien, Ontario Public Service Employees Union vice-president representing northwestern Ontario. "What we want to find out is, is there a link between poor maintenance and privatization?

"We’re not going to find out by asking the government."

The union hopes to win support for the plan from members of the Nothwestern Ontario Municipal Association, meeting today in Dryden.

In November, 1999, the Official of the Provincial auditor was sharply critical of the government’s highway maintenance privatization program.

"The Ministry’s procedures were not adequate to ensure that the outsourcing initiative was managed with due regard for economy and efficiency nor to ensure compliance with legislation, policies, and contract terms and conditions," provincial auditor Erik Peters wrote.

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For more information:

John O’Brien (807) 474-1314
Paul Dunseith (416) 303-5577