The Guardian reports that, “Opposition to a provincial government plan for affordable housing is growing with the announcement of a new coalition formed to fight it. The Canadian Union of Public Employees is spearheading a new campaign against a proposed public-private partnership (P3) to build housing (for seniors and people with disabilities). …The announcement of the coalition partners featured representatives from several Island groups including the P.E.I. Federation of Labour, provincial NDP, the Council of Canadians and the P.E.I. Health Coalition. …(CUPE representative Bill) McKinnon said the coalition is still reaching out to other organizations and will also try to gain public support through card signings, petitions and a website, along with radio and print ads.”
“Last week representatives from unions involved in the health sector met with Premier Robert Ghiz and Community Services, Seniors and Labour Minister Janice Sherry to discuss the province’s request for information to create a P3 partnership for a private company to build, own and operate new affordable housing units for seniors and people with disabilities. …McKinnon said if a private business decides it can make more money on its own once the initial agreement with the province is over it will walk away from the government, which could lead to higher costs for people who need affordable housing. …McKinnon said if the government makes the decision to go ahead with a P3 plan and signs agreements the coalition may take its opposition into the (upcoming provincial) election campaign (in October).”
The Guardian article is at http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/News/Local/2011-03-16/article-2332738/CUPE-forms-coalition-against-P3-development/1.
