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"The government has admitted — after documents were released under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act — that all options are on the table, including, specifically, privatization of public services." — Jerry Earle, NAPE President
St. John's (10 March 2016) — On March 7, the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE) launched two new advertising campaigns. The campaigns coincide with provincial budget-related events and public sector bargaining. The ads will be run province-wide on an array of platforms.
Access to Information documents show government still looking at privatization options
“There has been a lot of speculation and discussion about privatization, or the use of Public Private Partnerships (P3s), of public services in recent months. The former government tried to create a system of privatized long term care homes in the province. While the current government cancelled that process — a decision that the union welcomed — they have left the door open for privatization as part of their ongoing Government Renewal Initiative,” said NAPE President Jerry Earle.
“The government has admitted — after documents were released under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act — that all options are on the table, including, specifically, privatization of public services. In recent weeks, employer groups have also been advocating heavily for government to adopt a privatization agenda," he said.
NAPE/NUPGE to run anti-privatization ads
“We have been pushing back on this regressive agenda using a multi-pronged approach: research, public and media relations, and government relations,” said Earle. “At our Biennial Convention in October, we had all three party leaders in attendance and asked them specific and pointed questions about privatization. We have Premier Dwight Ball on the record there and in the media several times since committing to no privatization of public services. We intend to keep him to his word.”
“As part of the fightback effort, NAPE/NUPGE is launching a series of anti-privatization ads. The campaign is an extension of the Don’t Let Go — Say NO to Privatization campaign that we ran during the recent provincial election. The updated campaign focuses on the proven failures of privatization in other provinces across the country and fully explains why it won’t work here in this province,” said Earle. “While those pushing the privatization agenda say it is innovative, more effective, and more efficient, the research and experience shows that assertion is patently false. Privatization simply costs more and delivers less.”
Information, videos, facts and figures are posted on the newly re-designed and updated campaign website: www.dontletgo.ca.
Second ad shows the important work NAPE/NUPGE members do across the province
“Many people in this province know who NAPE is, but don’t fully understand who makes up the union and the full scope of the vital work they do. During these difficult times in the province, we wanted to shine a light on the hard-working and dedicated members of NAPE that deliver high quality and vital goods and services to the people of this province,” said Earle.
“The NAPE — We Are Community campaign will be a longer-term campaign that will focus on the real people behind the jobs, behind the services, and behind the statistics. The campaign will show real NAPE/NUPGE members in their workplaces, talking about their jobs and the impact they have in their communities.”
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE