[English translation not provided.]
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My constituents throughout the Nahendeh riding have made it very clear to me through petitions, letters, phone calls and conversations that they do not support the proposed contracting-out of the operations of the Fort Simpson airport.
Today I want to go on record as being opposed to these proposed reductions. Contracting out services that were once provided by public service employees have longer-term impacts that go beyond this cost-cutting exercise.
There’s no guarantee that the Department of Transportation will realize any savings through contracting out the operations and maintenance of the airport. We have all seen escalating costs associated with contracts for road maintenance and construction projects.
Contractors face the same pressures as government in terms of their costs, plus they are in the business to make profit. That profit will likely be made up through higher business contracts and lower wages for employees. There’s also no guarantee that jobs with the private contractor will benefit the residents or the families of Fort Simpson.
The current operations and maintenance staff at the airport have been with the government for a long time and provide good quality service to ensure our airport is safe and secure. The community and the region have been well served by these government employees. Not only do they provide quality service, they and their families contribute to the economic and social fabric of our community.
The government has not provided my constituents or me with a good business case for contracting out these services. I urge the government to rethink these reductions and maintain airport services in the Nahendeh region. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
