Third Parties Continue to Plague Industry

Members know that OGCA has actively been opposing the use of Third Party Qualification firms, particularly in Safety, where we published a Guide to help members oppose this useless process. A recent tender for King City (York Region) again shows how little respect owners are showing for the safety of workers.

The use of these firms is a throwback to the infamous "Binder" days. Firms were asked to submit their safety "Binders" as part of their Tender. The use of these firms is no different. There is no confirmation that the policies or "Binders" are actually being implemented.

Another challenge is when owners use these firms to conduct their Prequalification system.

Recently, York University employed Cambridge Solutions to manage their prequalification. Cambridge is well-known to the OGCA and we have successfully opposed their involvement with several owners. Our success was due not only to OGCA pointing out the weakness in the process, but members took a stand and would not sign up. Unfortunately, the University did not respond to our letter and this practice continues.

The OGCA is doing all it can to oppose and stop these practices. We are actively encouraging government to take action through an accreditation program and recommending legislation banning the use of such firms by government agencies and corporations.

The bottom line is if members refuse to sign on, owners will respond. On the recent King City Tender, several OGCA members stood firm and would not sign up. Others were not as supportive.

We can make all the excuses we want to justify agreeing to bad practices, contracts, etc., but in the end, the responsibility is ours for ensuring a fair, open and transparent tender system. Bad practices cannot exist without our complicity.

Short term sacrifices will lead to long term benefits, so before you think of signing up to one of these agencies, think hard about what is really in the industry’s and your best interest.