McGuinty sees “value” in paying 35% more for contracted work
Recently, UNDE President June Winger met with Defence Minister McGuinty to raise urgent concerns about the growing reliance on contracting out in the Department of National Defence.
We made it clear: UNDE members are proud civilian workers who support CAF operations across Canada. From trades and maintenance to logistics, food services, administration, and training support—our work is essential to keeping bases running and ensuring operational readiness.
We also welcomed the government’s new defence investments. This is a real opportunity to rebuild internal capacity, strengthen self-sufficiency, and support the Forces for the long term.
But we were equally clear: this new funding should not be used to pay private contractors who cost more and deliver les.
The Minister’s response
While Minister McGuinty acknowledged these points, he also stated that he “sees value” in contracting out.
That statement should concern all of us.
The realities of contracting out
Contracting out is often presented as a way to save money or increase efficiency. But we know the truth:
- it often costs more in the long run
- it weakens accountability, shifting public services into private hands
- it undermines stable, good-paying jobs that support families and communities
- it erodes institutional knowledge, making services less reliable over time
Your action is critical
One thing is clear after meeting with Minister McGuinty: our words alone aren’t enough to make change happen. We need your support to add pressure.
Please take a minute to hit send on our pre-drafted letter to Minister McGuinty, calling on the federal government to end contracting out at National Defence, reinvest in public service jobs, and rebuild internal capacity. You can also sign our national petition against contracting out.
The government is making major decisions about defence spending and the future of our public services. If we don’t speak up now, contracting out will continue to expand.