THE BC Liberals said on Tuesday that Transportation Minister Rob Fleming confirmed in the Legislature that both union and non-union contractors will be included in the procurement process in the rebuilding of damaged infrastructure throughout British Columbia. Previously, the NDP government has employed Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs) on major infrastructure projects that have left 85 percent of construction workers ineligible to perform the work, creating delays and reducing the scope of projects.

“The Official Opposition is happy to hear that this government has recognized the importance of including all contractors in the significant rebuild process that lies ahead,” said Jordan Sturdy, BC Liberal Critic for Transportation. “The recovery process will require a massive investment in infrastructure and the work needs to be done quickly, with all available resources deployed ensuring the repairs are done with the best return for the taxpayers.”

Sturdy maintained that the NDP government must act swiftly and reach out to all contractors that are able to assist, not pick and choose which ones they want to deal with.