Mar 072013
Business privacy rules trump disclosure.
from the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees
The Alberta government's recently-released social policy framework states accountability is one key principle, while privatization of social services is another.
"That presents a serious challenge", said AUPE Executive Secretary-Treasurer Bill Dechant.
"While we applaud priorities like poverty reduction and the plan to end homelessness, privatized services will prsent a significant test for the government's commitment to accountability set out in the new social policy framework. .
Secrecy goes hand-in-glove with private delivery,” said Dechant.
"I'm also very worried that the social policy framework promises the government will act as less of a 'service provider, funder and legislator' in service areas explicitly aimed at the most vulnerable and under-served Albertans," he said.
Children's Services is one area where AUPE members have seen a steady increase in contracted service providers, he added. The government is investigating further privatization through a "results-based budgeting" process. Results-based budgeting is one of eight "priority transformation initiatives" identified in the framework document.
Other elements include "transparency, citizen engagement and decisions based on knowledge and evidence" as key to accountability.
But, says Dechant, government contracts with third parties are not accessible by the public.
A recent Parkland Institute study attempted to compare the cost of publicly-provided infrastructure maintenance with privatized services through Freedom of Information requests. The protection of business interests prevented the release of information on the scope and costs of the privatized maintenance services.
"The government's commitment to increased accountability and desire to privatize more services are completely contrary objectives. At present the public has no way to know if the services that have already been turned over to the private sector are doing the job they claim to."
About Alberta Union of Provincial Employees
The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees is Alberta's largest union, representing almost 80,000 Albertans who work in government, health care, education, boards and agencies, municipalities and private companies. The majority of AUPE’s members work in the public sector.
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