Sask. union leader takes aim at P3s, Trans Pacific Partnership

Union members from across the province are meeting in Saskatoon.

It's the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour's annual convention and they've got a list of issues in their agenda.

One is the government's move to so-called "P3s" or private-public partnerships. This is the pairing of government and private sector firms on major projects.

SFL president Larry Hubich is not sold on the idea.

In an interview with Saskatoon Morning host Leisha Grebinski, he said the Regina bypass is a good example of misplaced priorities. The roadway circling the Queen City is coming with a $1.88-billion price tag.

That's the same amount as the province's K-to-12 budget.

"So for what it costs us to educate our children, provide schools, teachers, all of the assets that go along with our schools, it's going to cost us the same to build one piece of road around the city of Regina," he said.

These trade agreements aren't really about trade.- Larry Hubich

"That's not the kind of investment we should be making. We should be strengthening our Crowns because the benefits of those Crowns and public services go back to the people in the province."

Hubich said he's not seen a copy of the Trans-Pacific Partnership so he cannot comment on that particular trade deal, but he has misgivings about these deals in general.

"These trade agreements aren't really about trade," he said.

"They're corporate bills of rights that protect intellectual property rights for major corporations."

The delegates will be talking, but they'll also be on the pavement. Rallies are planned for TCU Place, and the provincial cabinet office.