SNC-Lavalin will still be considered for Pattullo Bridge rebuild, says B.C. premier
Posted February 28, 2019 2:23 pm.
Last Updated February 28, 2019 6:35 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – While SNC-Lavalin is in the spotlight in Ottawa, the company is on the shortlist to do the rebuild of the Pattullo Bridge.
B.C.’s premier says the company will be considered, like any other.
“SNC-Lavalin is a large company. They’ve put in bids around the world. And we’ll look at that closely,” John Horgan said. “If they are the best bidder and they can meet the requirements of the people of British Columbia, then they will be successful.”
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SNC-Lavalin has been charged with fraud and corruption related to efforts to secure work in Libya.
But Horgan notes none of the allegations against the company have been proven.
“We’re going to be cautious, of course. But I’m not going to eliminate them as a potential successful bidder because of allegations in another jurisdiction.”
Horgan says if there is a reason the company can’t lawfully carry out the work, the B.C. government will reassess. “I do want to make sure that whoever is doing work in British Columbia abides by the laws not just of B.C. but of Canada.”
On Tuesday, Burnaby’s mayor said he was worried about SNC-Lavalin being shortlisted to build the new Pattullo Bridge.
“If the allegations are anywhere close to being true, then I would have grave concerns about this company being involved in such mega-projects,” Mike Hurley said. “The Pattullo Bridge is one, but I’m sure any new SkyTrain line, I’m sure their name would be in for that, as well. They’re usually one of the primary bidders.”
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He said other Metro Vancouver mayors are also worried about the possibility of the Quebec-based company facing criminal prosecution for corruption and bribery.
Hurley noted it could be a while before a final decision is made on the winning bid to build the new bridge linking New Westminster with Surrey.
UBCIC: why work with a company under criminal investigation?
Meanwhile, after learning SNC-Lavalin is still a contender to build the new Pattullo bridge, the head of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs wants to know why.
“They should have a very serious look at this,” says Grand Chief Stewart Phillip.
He says he’s disappointed SNC-Lavalin was shortlist to build something that has a nearly $1.4-billion price tag, even though the Quebec-based engineering firm is under police investigation.
“I don’t really agree. They’re subject to criminal charges pursuant to an RCMP investigation. You know, this notion that they’re mere allegations is pretty sketchy on the part of the provincial government.”
Phillip, who’s one of former Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould’s strongest supporters, says he’s proud of her for not bowing to pressure to halt the prosecution of SNC-Lavalin on corruption charges linked to work in Libya.
