It is clear that the economics of highways privatization will mean peril for
many British Columbians. Alex Fraser, the past Minister of Highways, is
on record as saying, "Privatization will cost the taxpayers more." In
addition, he has stated, "Highway safety and local economy will suffer as
most contracts will go to Surrey or Richmond where the majority of

contractors are located."

Mr. Fraser is not alone in his opinion. In the Times Colonist of December
i, 1987, Bob Harvey, Deputy Highways Minister from 1976 to 1983, and
Fraser McLean, Deputy frorm 1971 to 1980, have supported Allan Rhodes,
former Assistant Deputy Minister, in his statement that, "It is reasonable
to assume that any contractor might compromise standards of public safety
in order to obtain a contract and earn his projected profit." Rhodes further
stated that, “Zocal small contractors and owner-operators are dependent
upon the Ministry for their livelihood and this source of income could dry

up as a resuit of the work being assigned to larger contractors."

Harvey, McLean and Rhodes are all urging a "go-slow"™ approach to
privatizing and have said in their letter that the eventual outcome of the
present plan could jeopardize the future levei of service and the life of the
existing roads system. The trio said the program is reaching the point of no
return and any actions to stop it must be undertaken now.

We are not asking you to make a full and unequivocal judgment on
privatization in general. We are, however, asking you to condernn the

privatization of highways maintenance and other Highways Ministry
functions. Government is supposed to serve all the people and vital
services should be kept in the public service. As the former Deputies

stated, "The security and safety of people must not be sacrificed in order