Opinion: This would be an early win for B.C.’s new government

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Opening up bidding would reduce costs and shorten timelinesLast updated 17 minutes ago The Pattullo Bridge replacement in Vancouver went over budget behind schedule. Photo by Jason Payne /PNGBritish Columbia’s election campaign made one thing clear: the province’s new government needs to pull the emergency brake on spending. It’s facing a $13-billion deficit, high taxes and delayed infrastructure projects — self-inflicted wounds courtesy the previous government. The road back to financial security will not be easy. But a first step could be. The province’s new Conservative government should follow up quickly on one of its platform promises and allow for fair and open tendering on all major public infrastructure.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.British Columbians understand the dire fiscal situation their province is in. Since 2023, provincial debt has nearly doubled as a proportion of GDP, the public service has grown at record rates and the government’s shifting projections have the province falling deeper and deeper in debt. This new government needs to reverse the costly policies that landed us here.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againOne such policy is the former government’s labour contracting regime. It restricts any qualified construction employer whose workers are not members of the Building Trade Unions from bidding on public infrastructure projects. This has blocked 85 per cent of the province’s qualified contractors and construction workers from major opportunities — not because they are not trained and certified in their jobs but because they have chosen not to be part of one specific union. B.C. isn’t the only province in Canada with such a rule, but we are currently one of the most restrictive.It is a punishing policy that hurts B.C. workers and hits B.C. taxpayers by increasing the cost of public projects by an estimated 20 per cent. Why? Because restrictive labour policies eliminate competition, forcing taxpayers to accept the higher costs of those with privileged access. The Pattullo Bridge replacement in Vancouver was originally going to cost $967 million and be completed in 2023. Instead, it cost taxpayers $1.6 billion and was finished only this year. Replacing the Cowichan Hospital was budgeted at $888 million with a 2024 completion date. It has cost $1.4 billion and is now also expected to be three years late.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.B.C. cannot afford to keep operating like this. Our financial position is too fraught for such poor management. Switching to fair and open tendering on major public infrastructure would be a major step toward getting things properly in hand. Ending an unfair bidding system that hurts qualified contractors would introduce more competition, increase efficiency, elevate productivity and help lower costs on public projects. Moreover, it would send a signal to investors who may be reluctant to come to B.C. that the province is serious about getting things built.During the campaign, the Conservatives promised to “(r)estore broad competitive bidding for provincial infrastructure.” That is forward thinking that puts the province, its workers and its taxpayers first. It can’t happen soon enough.Dan Baxter is B.C. regional director of the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada. This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.