Press Release Letter RE: Private Members Bill C-429

Aug 22, 2010

Dear (MP): On behalf of MasonryWorx, I am writing to express the concerns of our members with Bill C- 429, a Private members’ Bill submitted by Mr. Gerard Asselin, Bloc Quebecois. This Bill is intended to amend the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act, and to specifically promote the use of wood products and systems:

Despite subsection (1), before soliciting bids for the construction, maintenance or repair of public works, federal immovable and federal real property, the Minister shall give preference to the concept that promotes the use of wood, while taking into account the cost and greenhouse gas emissions.

If enacted by Parliament, the Department of Public Works and Government Services is obligated to give preference to the use of wood in federal government construction.

Some of the potential consequences to the Canadian built environment are:

1. Limitations imposed on the professional freedom of a designer or the good judgment of a contractor to select the most appropriate material and system for its intended function and service.
2. Higher initial costs for construction and additional costs for repair and maintenance resulting from specifying a product for use where it is not suited to the function or service since it increases the likelihood of non-performance and premature failure. Products or systems manufactured from any one material type, such as those offered by the wood industry, are not suitable for all construction applications.
3. Unfair advantage, protection, and gain for one industry at the expense of others that are also dependent upon the Canadian built environment, undermining market-driven forces and restricting fair and open competition.
4. Reduction in the financial resources available to non-wood industries, which hinders their ability to research and innovate, and consequently, diminishes their competitiveness in the Canadian and global markets.
5.  Less incentive for the Canadian wood industry to be innovative and efficient, and a diminished need to maintain competitive levels of performance and value in Canada.
6. A profound affect on the economic well-being of thousands of Canadians in the construction industry who earn their livelihood outside of the wood community.

The construction industry in Canada is experiencing profound challenges at this time, driven by both market forces and government legislation. These challenges are certainly not exclusive to the wood industry. We perceive Bill C-429 legislation as an obstacle that likely could force the Canadian masonry industry, a multi-billion dollar industry that employs thousands of Canadians, beyond the threshold of viability.

MasonryWorx members strongly oppose the contents and passage of this Bill. We respectfully request that you vote against Bill C-429 at the Committee stage, and that you help persuade your fellow caucus members to also oppose this Bill.

I would be pleased to meet with you to discuss our concerns regarding Bill C-429. In the meantime, should you have any questions or require additional information regarding our position on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Sincerely,
Dante Di Giovanni
President