VICTORIA, B.C.: During second reading debate today, Kiel Giddens, MLA for Prince George–Mackenzie and Official Opposition Critic for Labour, called on the NDP government to support Bill M233, the Public Sector Construction Projects Procurement Act, legislation aimed at ensuring publicly funded construction projects in British Columbia are awarded based on best value for taxpayers, getting more public infrastructure projects and more opportunities for BC’s 265,000 skilled construction workers.

Bill M233 would prevent government bodies from restricting bids, ensuring fair and open tendering with labour-neutral procurement. The bill would help ensure public construction contracts are awarded on merit, safety record, qualifications, experience, price, and the ability to deliver results.

Giddens said the bill respects worker choice and does not favour one labour model over another.

“Every qualified worker should have a fair shot at helping build the schools, hospitals, roads and public infrastructure our province depends on,” said Giddens. “This bill is about fairness, competition, accountability, and making sure every public dollar goes as far as possible.”

Skilled workers across B.C., whether they work in building trades unions, progressive unions, or open-shop environments, all deserve respect for the role they play in building the province.

“This is about fairness for workers and better value for taxpayers, plain and simple,” said Giddens. “At a time when government keeps blaming labour shortages, inflation, and supply chain pressures for cost overruns and delays, it makes no sense to limit who can work on public projects.”

Public projects in British Columbia have experienced cost overruns totalling more than $17 billion since 2017. At the same time, construction delays across all public projects now add up to more than 158 years combined.

“That is not fair to taxpayers, and it is not fair to the families and communities counting on these projects,” said Misty Van Popta, MLA for Langley-Walnut Grove and Official Opposition Critic for Infrastructure. “Public infrastructure belongs to all of us, and the opportunity to build it should be open to all qualified workers and contractors.”

Van Popta said the government’s broader infrastructure record is also putting major funding opportunities at risk.

“Seven long-term care projects are delayed. Burnaby Hospital is delayed. And now British Columbia could miss out on more than $2.2 billion in federal infrastructure funding because this government can’t manage its books,” said Van Popta. “When federal dollars are available, B.C. should be first in line and shovel-ready. Instead, this NDP government is leaving projects on the table and families paying the price.”

-30-

Media Contact:
Francesca Guetchev, Press Secretary
Francesca.Guetchev@leg.bc.ca
+1 (672) 922-0948