Tuesday, April 2, 2019 CLAC Applauds Passing of Bill 66 Bill gives all qualified local workers—regardless of union affiliation—the opportunity to work on construction projects in their own communities News Toronto—CLAC applauds the passing of Bill 66, Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, which opens bidding on publicly funded construction contracts to all qualified companies. For too long, competent contractors have been shut out of publicly funded project work in their local communities. The bill’s passing today will bring a much greater degree of fairness to procurement processes across the province. “We applaud the Ontario government for taking the next step in ending the 30-year reign of construction labour monopolies,” says Ian DeWaard, CLAC Ontario director. “We believe fair and open tendering should be required for all publicly funded construction projects. It’s time to give all qualified local workers—regardless of union affiliation—the opportunity to work on projects in their own communities. Our members are safe, well-trained, and highly qualified to do construction work funded by public dollars.” Research shows that restrictive tendering practices also result in fewer bidders, which translates into higher costs. In the Region of Waterloo, the number of bidders was reduced from 8.1 to 3.7 per project when the region became subject to closed-tendering restrictions in 2012. According to economic think tank Cardus, nearly $2.5 billion dollars is spent annually by municipalities whose construction projects are subject to closed tendering. A late-stage amendment to the bill gives certain municipalities and public agencies the ability to choose closed rather than open tendering practices. “CLAC is calling on municipalities and publicly funded agencies that are currently subject to closed tendering to also support this bill,” says DeWaard. “Competition on publicly funded projects will ensure good value for the dollar, accountability to local taxpayers, and work opportunities for everyone within the community, not just those who belong to a certain union.” You might be interested in Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job 4 Jun 2026 CLAC Partners with Alberta Government to Advance Skilled Trades Training and Accelerate Certification 4 Jun 2026 Strathcona Mechanical Workers Ratify New Agreement Providing Wage, Scheduling Improvements 3 Jun 2026 Ready to Deliver 3 Jun 2026