The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 793 has written to Premier Ford on behalf of a broad-based coalition of construction trade unions, labour councils, construction associations, lawyers, politicians, municipalities and stakeholders from across the Halton Region and the Province of Ontario.
The letter calls for the Ontario Government to “…immediately reverse its decision to cancel the largest shovel-ready project in Ontario and in Canada, the Halton Region Consolidated Courthouse Project”.
James Barry Supports Brief from Coalition, ‘100%’
IBEW CCO’s Executive Secretary Treasurer, James Barry, has signed a letter to the Premier outlining the Council’s full support to reconsider the cancellation of the Project. He adds in his letter,
“The economic recovery of the Province of Ontario is and will be in critical need of shovel-ready infrastructure projects like the Halton Consolidated Courthouse. The cancellation of this large-scale courthouse will very likely lead to further job loss for Ontarians. We are currently in a situation when boosting the economy with infrastructure projects is needed more than ever across Ontario.”
Read the full letter of support here: Continuing the Halton Region Consolidated Courthouse Project – James Barry
Cancellation of the Halton Region Consolidated Courthouse Project
The cancellation of the courthouse project was announced by the Ontario Government on May 8th, in a statement from Attorney General Doug Downey. Downey cited the need to invest in technologies and modernizes processes. He says “The needs of the justice sector have changed and there is broad consensus we cannot go back to the way things were done before the public health emergency.
IUOE’s Response and Request for Meeting
IUOE Local 793 Business Manager, Mike Gallagher reminds the Premier that Halton Region is not immune to the financial crisis we are facing as a country. He further notes that “During times of economic downtown, the economy can be effectively kick-started by large-scale government intervention when private investment slows. The construction of the Halton Courthouse Project is that opportunity.”
Mr. Gallagher notes the rapidly expanding population of the region and the lack of capacity at the current courthouse to support this surge.
“Although the government’s proposal for implementing new technology is an important step in modernizing the justice system, it cannot replace the need for urgently needed state-of-the-art courtrooms and facilities.”
The Coalition attached a Brief detailing the many reasons the Project should not be cancelled. The coalition partners have requested a meeting with the Ontario Government to further discuss this matter, and how the partners could further work with the government to continue this important project.
Read IUOE’s full letter to the Premier here: Final Letter to Premier Ford Re_Coalition Brief Halton Courthouse