Government backs down on plan to freeze out NAPE crews from new P3 highways

The Newfoundland and Labrador government is moving ahead with plans to use a public-private partnership model to build two new sections of twinned highway along the Trans-Canada Highway, but government crews will provide snow-clearing and line painting services.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Fred Hutton confirmed this week that the private sector will be contracted to design, build, finance and maintain the new roads through a 30-year agreement, which will be a first for Newfoundland and Labrador. The federal and provincial governments are investing more than $300 million, with construction scheduled to begin next year.

But the government has backed away from a suggestion that the contractor will also carry out snow and ice removal services.

"It will be our crews who will be maintaining it," Hutton told CBC News.

Hutton took over at the department in July, replacing John Abbott as minister.

In February, Abbott ignited a controversy when he confirmed the P3 model to CBC News, and also suggested that NAPE crews would not be welcome on the new divided highways.

"Obviously there's a collective agreement, but there's enough work to go around currently," Abbott said at the time.

NAPE responded angrily with a campaign they dubbed "highway robbery," with union president Jerry Earle vowing that  "I got news for this minister. He is in for a battle."

During an unrelated interview with Hutton on Wednesday, Hutton confirmed to CBC News that NAPE crews will ensure the new highways are free of ice and snow, and carry out other minor maintenance such as line painting.

The private contractor, however, will ensure the road remains at a national highway standard during the life of the contract.

Earle learned of government's approach to snow-clearing from the CBC.

WATCH | Jerry Earle says workers are celebrating a win, despite lingering P3 partnership:

NAPE workers regain some highway duties, as president credits ‘Highway Robbery’ campaign

3 months ago

Duration 0:33

Snow-clearing and line painting will be done by public sector workers after all, on sections of a new divided highway in Newfoundland — a reversal from what John Abbott, the former transportation minister, had said at the time. NAPE president Jerry Earle is crediting a union campaign for the flip-flop, even though the government will still be partnering with the private sector on some projects.

He said it's a "significant comfort to our members that do this work."

New sections of divided highway will be built from Whitbourne to Chance Cove, and between Grand Falls-Windsor and Bishop's Falls. 

Additional west-bound passing lanes will also be constructed on the TCH near Port aux Basques.

The government will soon go to the market, looking for a company or companies to partner on the projects.

Meanwhile, there are roughly 800 unionized workers who keep nearly 10,000 kilometres of roads safe for motorists. 

Earle said the union will not tolerate a single job loss.

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