The Ontario Glass and Metal Association (OGMA) is urging the Ontario government to re-evaluate a $140-million contract for the Trillium Health Partners Hospital project in Mississauga, awarded to U.S.-owned Permasteelisa/Benson. The contract includes supply and installation of a glass and aluminum façade for the 2.8-million-square-foot hospital structure. OGMA argues that awarding the contract to a U.S. company, which plans to manufacture façade components in Mexico, undermines Ontario’s economy and job creation.
The association is concerned about the loss of economic benefits for Ontario taxpayers, risk of undermining Ontario’s economy and job creation, and potential misstep for the province in terms of public perception and financial impact. OGMA believes that Ontario-based glazing contractors could have been given a chance to revise their bids and potentially offer competitive prices. In light of these concerns, OGMA has requested the Ontario government to re-evaluate the current engagement with Permasteelisa/Benson, initiate a competitive procurement process prioritizing Ontario-based glazing contractors, and rescind outstanding invitations to non-Canadian-based glazing contractors and suppliers for the Ottawa Civic Hospital project.
“Our main beef is that this is taxpayers’ money funding the project and it was awarded to an American company… The Ontario taxpayers are not getting anything out of it,” said Blake Sanders, President, OGMA. Sanders notes that awarding the contract locally would help keep jobs, spending, and economic benefits within the province – where they are needed most. He suggests that government incentives could have been a good way to keep the work in Ontario, as taxpayers probably would prefer to subsidize five percent rather than give it to the Americans.
Image Courtesy: Daily Commercial News
