November 23, 2009

Letters to the editor

Time to stop crying over BC Place contract

Re: Ironworkers outraged after Quebec company wins B.C. Place Stadium roof contract (Nov. 4)

Let’s face the facts: not all is lost in the Quebec company getting the job. They will still be using local labour to assemble the roof. Even if the company brought in all of their own men, the big picture still doesn’t look so bad.

The local lodging and restaurants will still benefit from the deal. The stimulus package is more than just for the construction industry. That is where it is applied, but it’s meant for the whole economy.

Things could be better, but things could also be worse. Lets think positively and not cry every time life doesn’t agree with us.

The moral of the story: suck it up.

David Klassen

Quebec contract is an opportunity lost for B.C.

The moral of the story is more British Columbia workers will be falling off the employment insurance ranks and onto welfare.

There will be lost taxes (payroll, PST, GST, HST). There will also be social problems and stimulus for the Quebec and Japanese economies.

Tom O’Neill, business agent, Ironworkers Shop Division, Local 712

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