CAW questions why Metrolinx is delaying release of information

CAW Local 103
News Release

********************

North Bay - Recent media reports from around the province quoting the Nipissing MPP, the Minister of Transportation and the Minister of Northern Development that they will not reverse the awarding of the GO Transit Refurbishment contract to CAD Rail contending that it was done in a “fair and transparent tendering process” is beginning to wear thin on community leaders and ONTC employees.

CAW Local 103 is questioning why then, is Metrolinx further delaying the release of information requested by Local Union Vice President Andy Mitchell, under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act request filed back on July 6th and are now wondering what the real reasons are for the delay.

“Metrolinx announced on July 14, 2011 that they would be awarding a $120M refurbishing contract to CAD Rail located in Montreal PQ solely on the “lowest price” basis. It has since been disclosed by Metrolinx that they awarded the contract without even viewing the site to determine if CAD Rail has the physical capacity or even the skills necessary to perform the work” said Local Union President Brian Kelly.

In a letter dated August 12th to Mr. Mitchell, Metrolinx stated that they needed to extend the release of the requested information to October 25th, because of the size of the request could interfere with the operations of Metrolinx and their need to consult with “third parties” about the release of the information.

“The McGuinty government has stated categorically in defense of their approval in awarding this contract to CAD Rail that the bidding process was “fair and transparent”. Mr. Mitchell made his request 6 weeks ago and now Metrolinx is saying they need another 2 months to go and find the files they relied on to make the decision. If this process was fair and transparent, then meeting our request for information is straight forward," added Kelly.

“This government’s repetitious verse of “fair and transparent process” is sounding more and more like excuses for an indefensible decision. We know of no understandable reason why someone at Metrolinx can’t simply pull the file folder marked “CAD Rail Deal” and forward the requested information. Metrolinx’s insistence on further delaying the release until they have consulted with “third parties” makes us wonder what is really going on with this tendering process which will cost Ontario taxpayers more than $8M,” concluded Kelly.

CAW Local 103 represents clerical, stores, rail and bus maintenance, on-board service Cochrane Station Inn employees, customer service clerks and crew management center and express services employees at Ontario Northland in North Bay, New Liskeard, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Rouyn PQ, Cochrane, Timmins, Hearst and Moosonee.

********************