MONTREAL, April 1 /CNW Telbec/ - On the same day as a demonstration against rate hikes and privatization, and just days after releasing a deplorable budget, the government persists in wasting public funds on a costly PPP for the McGill University Health Centre.
The Confédération des syndicats nationaux denounces construction of the MUHC as a PPP. The Conseil central du Montréal métropolitain, the FSSS and the 5,000 members of the CSN who work at the MUHC share the fears expressed by the CSN, by many non-governmental organizations and even by the Auditor General of Quebec.
What is this government really up to? Has it taken leave of its senses? The PPP method of financing, construction, management, and delivering services is outmoded and dangerous. It is inflexible, especially when applied to such a fine example of cutting edge medicine. This method incurs exorbitant costs, which have to be paid by taxpayers, and results in unacceptable delays. It encourages cronyism and discourages transparency. Elsewhere in the world, PPPs have often led to a severe reduction in the quality of services and of working conditions. And most of all, they constitute an appalling loss of authority and of expertise for the State.
It is never too late to correct a gross error: we need university hospitals on the publicly funded model, and we need them now!
The Confédération des syndicats nationaux represents 300,000 individuals, including 94,000 members of the Conseil central du Montréal métropolitain. The Fédération de la santé et des services sociaux represents 125,000 members, including 5,000 members of the McGill University Health Centre Employees' Union-CSN, which is the largest group of workers within the MUHC.
For further information: Sylvie Joly, CSN, (514) 605-0766
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