Government contracts being purposely diverted to specific organizations

BY PAUL BAILEY

Here I am on the Finch Avenue west 36-bus route. It is one of the busiest road and streets in the city of Toronto. Construction is everywhere, most roads are reduced but a few are actually being expanded.

Either way, work and lots of it is in progress, which is a good thing. These infrastructures are no quick fixes or temporary assignments. No, they are lengthy, long lasting and rewarding for not just the community and the investors and business heads, but also for the workers, and their career development.

Sadly though, the sites that I have passed (Keele, Jane, Weston Road, Islington, Kipling, Martingrove, Highway 27), all on the Finch line and all within diverse and mixed communities, are NOT reflected in workforce design and makeup of these communities in which they operate. It would appear that similarly to the revelations of government contracts being purposely diverted to specific organizations or individuals by government employees and their cohorts, resulting in kickbacks, these construction contracts could be the same or similar where favouritism is given.

How else to explain why organizations like TCBN have been and continue to plead, battle and beg the Ontario Government for a seat at the table. They do so to get a small percentage of the available contracts that will ensure some of these current and future jobs are shared amongst youths (male and female) who are not reflected within an industry.

I just passed Finch and Kipling, and the roads are being expanded here. I just passed Martingrove and Finch, more construction and again, crews are similar and none reflective. I am at Finch and 27, LOTS of work being done and I finally glimpse one black worker.

Sad, sad, sad to see but despite all the sweet talks about diversity, equity and inclusion, the facts speak volumes; it’s just hot air from the mouths of government and business leaders. They talk the talk loud and proud but at the end of the day, they are afraid and reluctant to walk the walk because their power and strength will be challenged and maybe reversed in the future.

This is no coincidence and it’s evident in government, institutions and industries.