Group urges Competition Bureau to investigate Ottawa Hospital project
A group representing construction companies is crying foul over the Ottawa Hospital's agreement with a labour group to build the new $2.8-billion Civic campus.
The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada filed a complaint with the Competition Bureau on Monday, urging the watchdog to investigate the hospital's agreement with Unionized Building and Construction Trades of Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.
The complaint alleges the deal prevents contractors and workers who aren't affiliated with select unions from bidding on and building the 2.5-million-square-foot facility.
"There's something seriously wrong when thousands of Ottawa area construction workers and local companies have no chance to build one of the largest infrastructure projects in the city's history," Karen Renkema, the PCA's vice-president of Ontario, said in a news release.
"This is a deal that shuts out local talent and does not provide good public value. That warrants an investigation."
The hospital announced the agreement with the trade unions last month. In a news release, it hailed the agreement as "historic" and the first of its kind in Ontario, saying it would help keep the project on schedule and avoid delays associated with work stoppage.
The agreement ensures all workers are properly trained and will create apprenticeship opportunities for underrepresented groups including First Nations, Inuit and Metis people, women and diverse and at-risk youth, the hospital said. It sets out the terms and conditions for all employers and trades working on the project "while still following Ontario's requirements for an open and competitive procurement process," the release said.
But the PCA says the exclusive labour agreement is restrictive, stifles competition and is not in the public interest.
"It is a clear example of exclusive dealing, tied selling and market restrictions, which run counter to the Competition Act," Renkema said.
The PCA cited a report by the Montreal Economic Institute that said the agreement would escalate project costs by $168 million to $525 million.
The PCA represents more than 25,000 unionized construction workers across Canada.
The Civic campus project is due to be finished in 2028.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.