The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has voiced its opposition of plans to upgrade the City of Portage la Prairie’s wastewater treatment facility in utilizing a public-private partnership model.
Canadian Union of Public Employees Local President Terry Thompson attended a local council meeting and voiced concerns over job losses and lack of consultation with the union. Citizens also voiced concerns over water rates due to the expected profits for the private company.
Portage la Prairie City Council has committed to investigate public-private partnership (P3) for its $110 million wastewater treatment upgrades.
Thompson has asked the council to consider the option to have a publicly-controlled plant, why P3s across Canada have failed, as well as the job impacts, risks, and costs to ratepayers and taxpayers.
