The Canadian Union of Public Employees is concerned over suggestions P.E.I. could use public-private partnerships to build long-term-care facilities on the Island.
'We're going to be ready if the government wants to move in this direction.'— Bill MacKinnon, CUPE
Provincial Treasurer Wes Sheridan said P.E.I. had $4 million set aside for the project. CUPE has asked for a meeting with Premier Robert Ghiz to discuss the issue.
CUPE spokesman Bill MacKinnon told CBC News on Monday that the union thought the issue of public-private partnerships was put to rest when the former Progressive Conservative government decided not to use that model when building the new Prince County Hospital.
He said the new Liberal government needs to be informed about the importance of keeping health-care facilities in public hands.
"We're concerned that this new government is even considering this process," said MacKinnon.
"Public infrastructure belongs with public services, or it should be funded with public funds. And we're going to be ready if the government wants to move in this direction. We're avoiding panic and we're asking the premier to meet with us to have some discussion."
CUPE represents 950 health-care workers on the Island, and they include people who work in dietary, laundry, housekeeping and maintenance services in provincial health facilities.
MacKinnon said CUPE National has put together a $4 million to $5 million fund to help fight these types of decisions. He said that if need be, some of that money will be used to launch a campaign against a public-private deal on P.E.I.
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