July 29, 2009
News release
New federal heating plans should get the big chill
Ottawa – Plans by the federal government's Public Works department to modernize its central heating and cooling plant in the national capital region could end up costing taxpayers more than it should according to the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).
Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) has just posted a Request for Information, the first phase in a consultation with industry that will be used to determine private sector interest in taking over this operation.
“Our concern is not about the need to modernize and green the heating and cooling plant equipment and infrastructure,” says Dan Charron, national vice-president of the PSAC's Government Services Union. “This is an opportune time to use this project to stimulate the economy and to invest in green technology.”
“We are concerned that the government intends to turn over the operation of the central plant to the private sector with taxpayers footing the bill for the private sector's profits.
“The government's stated intention to save taxpayer dollars is at odds with the private sector's need to include a profit margin in their operations.”
The current national capital region system consists of seven central heating or cooling plants which provide steam, high-temperature hot water or chilled water. They provide energy services on a cost-recovery basis to more than 100 federal properties in the area.
“This is a fundamental service on which tens of thousands of people, as well as the properties depend,” says Charron. “There are also serious security concerns associated with private sector delivery of this service.”
Security issues include physical security for the plants, the distribution system and the link to the internal distribution systems in each federal property, security for the communications network that is integrated into the system, personnel security for all employees and contractors and information security related to the processing, transmission and storage of operational data.
According to PSAC national president John Gordon, this is clearly a highly sensitive service that must remain in public hands. “How can the government assure security if it loses control of the service? Any plans to sell off the provision of this service to the private sector should be a non-starter.”
“PSAC will be watching this situation closely,” says Gordon. “It's just one part of the Harper government's strategy to sell off assets that rightfully belong to us all.”
For information and to arrange interviews:
Laura Griffin, Government Services Union 613-226-5697
31-290709
Date Modified : 2010/07/29
