Lines of accountability are blurred as politicians pass the buck to private operators, shielded from access to information requirements. Less responsive services are the result when ownership and service delivery shifts from local to transnational hands. The public sector has for decades been a source of decent jobs, especially for women, Aboriginal workers and minorities. These jobs are being eliminated as services are privatized, leaving many with little ability to support their families and contribute to the economy. Operators of privatized services target wages to cut costs and boost profits.
Work is often part-time or casual.
Disappearing services and jobs force already-stressed families to shoulder new burdens. Most often it is women who must juggle this additional unpaid work. CUPE has launched a major campaign to support publicly funded and delivered services. Canadians across the country want the network of public services that keeps our communities healthy and vital to be strengthened. Opinion polls show that three quarters of Canadians have grave concerns about privatization and public private partnerships.