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LETTER: Privatization may be costlier in long run

I am seeking information that would help me to understand this decision.
55286westernstarConveyerloadslaundry
A conveyor loads laundry at an Interior Health facility. Laundry services are expected to cease at Kootenay Lake Hospital by mid-2017.

Re: “Nelson hospital laundry to be privatized,” March 4

I am seeking information that would help me to understand this decision. It seems that the service in Nelson was very efficient and economical. I don’t believe that a full cost accounting method has been used to make this decision. What about the cost to the environment because of added trucks on the road?

What about the added cost of supporting displaced workers? What about the cost to our community because of the loss of these jobs? And most importantly what about the cost of this decision to the families of the workers being displaced? My research has shown that private contracts with governments tend to trend much higher in subsequent years, once the contract is in place. I would like a copy of the 20-year contract to determine if in fact the cost of this decision is not going to rise. There is still time to reverse this decision in the next year.

It would be a tragedy to the workers affected and the people of British Columbia if in fact the cost of this privatization proved in the long run to be more expensive than what is currently in place.

Michael Dailly, Councillor, City of Nelson