NDP calls for Sask First model for procurement

Today in Question Period, the NDP called on the government to implement a Sask. First procurement and brought to light issues with the province’s infrastructure.

“Whether it comes to procurement, building or maintenance, the Sask. Party’s approach to our education and health infrastructure has only let Saskatchewan people down,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “This government has sunk billions of public dollars into projects like the Regina Bypass and left other projects like the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford falling apart before they even open. Both of these projects were built by out-of-province companies and both shut out Saskatchewan workers.”

Meili also raised questions about the Sask. Party’s plans for a P3 $200 million “social infrastructure” project identified in the RFP posted to SaskBuilds.

The Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford was built using a P3 model, a facility which required major repairs within months of opening. In December, Moody’s issued a credit opinion on Access Prairie Partnership, the out-of-province company that built the hospital, that significantly degraded their credit rating based on the full roof replacement and faulty work. Moody’s also said the repairs will cost the proponent $25 million and construction will not be completed until the summer of 2021.

Meanwhile recently obtained documents show that because of Sask. Party’s cuts in education, the total cost of deferred maintenance in the province’s schools is up to $1.3 billion.

“The Sask. Party has failed to ensure the proper building and maintenance of things that matter to Saskatchewan people like schools and hospitals,” Meili said. “It’s time for a Sask First procurement model that works for Saskatchewan people and keeps Saskatchewan people working.”

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