HIGHWAYS FACTS

seventy percent of all goods commercially transported in B.C. are
transported on our highways system.

Any increase in highway transportation costs due to privatization
therefore affects seventy percent of commercial goods being moved
in B.C.

Increases in the number of highway accidents among commercial
vehicles could result in the increased cost of commercial goods.

The cost of insurance will increase considerably if the number of
accidents increase as the result of poor bridge and road maintenance.

Potential increases in insurance costs would be a direct result of
lower standards of bridge and highways maintenance. Such increased
cost would be passed on to consumers through higher priced goods.

Increased delays in getting aods to market as the result of poor
highways conditions can also increase the price of commercial goods.

In the past year we have experienced a 22 percent inerease in ICBC
rates.

A reduction in the quality of bridge and road maintenance means
increased health and safety risks for the general travelling public.

Ambulance and firefighting services will be compromised through
reduced highway maintenance standards.

Since the Ministry of Highways presently contracts numerous small
operators to provide services to the Ministry, employment will be lost
to local communities should large contractors from other areas take

over this work.

The loss of collective bargaining rights will result in depressed wage
levels, reduced purchasing power and a general economic downturn in
affected communities.

Stable economic factors such as job security and good wages will
have a positive impact on our communities. Privatization does just

the opposite.

RPT:10-Brief
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