Privatization through public-private partnerships (P3s) was the silent elephant in the room during the emergency meeting held earlier this month between municipal counselors, MHAs and MPs. The September 6th meeting was called because Newfoundland and Labrador municipalities have to find $600 million in order to meet the looming deadline for upgrading our waste-water infrastructure to federal standards. Another $400 million will eventually be needed to upgrade water infrastructure.
With a federal election coming up next month, it’s not surprising MPs didn’t want to talk about P3s at the meeting. But make no mistake: both the federal Liberals and Conservatives are strongly in favour of them.
Under P3s, a corporation or consortium of corporations provides the initial financing of an infrastructure project. It then runs the project for two to three decades, charging governments for management and services rendered during that period.
There are compelling reasons why municipalities should try to resist the P3 route for waste-water improvements. To find out what they are, check out our article in THE INDEPENDENT.
With a federal election coming up next month, it’s not surprising MPs didn’t want to talk about P3s at the meeting. But make no mistake: both the federal Liberals and Conservatives are strongly in favour of them.
Under P3s, a corporation or consortium of corporations provides the initial financing of an infrastructure project. It then runs the project for two to three decades, charging governments for management and services rendered during that period.
There are compelling reasons why municipalities should try to resist the P3 route for waste-water improvements. To find out what they are, check out our article in THE INDEPENDENT.
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