A dispute over B.C. labour rules blocking a First Nations company from working on a massive new hospital near Duncan continues to stall construction.

Work on the new Cowichan District Hospital 91裸聊视频� costs for which have ballooned to $1.45 billion 91裸聊视频� ground to a halt on Dec. 2 after members of Cowichan Tribes-owned Khowutzun Development Corporation began picketing the site.

The picket lines were still in place as of Monday morning, with no work happening. The province91裸聊视频檚 Ministry of Health said talks continue to try to resolve the situation.

RELATED:

RELATED:

Picketers say BC Infrastructure Benefits office 91裸聊视频� which oversees the workers used on public infrastructure projects 91裸聊视频� refused KDC a permit to continue to work at the site because none of its companies and workers are members of unions accepted by the Crown corporation.

A statement from Cowichan Tribes said the First Nation and KDC have been meeting for several months, and with increased frequency in recent weeks, with representatives from Island Health, Ministry of Health, BCIB, and the general contractor, Ellis Don.

The statement said these meetings explored economic opportunities for Cowichan Tribes91裸聊视频� citizen-owned civil and trucking companies and mechanisms to work outside the BCIB process.

91裸聊视频淐ommitments were made to find ways to address hurdles and be more inclusive of Cowichan Tribes on a major infrastructure project taking place in our territory,91裸聊视频� said Cowichan Tribes Chief Lydia Hwitsum.

91裸聊视频淭hese discussions have not resulted in any actions to meet these commitments. The clock is ticking as these economic opportunities pass by our citizens91裸聊视频� companies and work is performed by contractors from outside our region.91裸聊视频�

Jodee Dick, CEO of KDC, said the corporation has been seeking opportunities for businesses owned by Cowichan Tribes members to perform work on the construction of the new hospital.

91裸聊视频淲e have been working to create positive relationships with other contractors and trade unions, and they have been supportive of getting our citizens working on this project,91裸聊视频� she said.

The statement went on to say that the new hospital is an important project for all residents in the Cowichan Valley.

91裸聊视频淚t is also an opportunity for the province to build relationships and advance economic reconciliation with our community, the largest First Nation in B.C. by population,91裸聊视频� the statement said.

91裸聊视频淐owichan Tribes and KDC remain committed to working with partners to secure employment and contract opportunities for Cowichan citizens on this project.91裸聊视频�

The Ministry of Health confirmed that a peaceful demonstration at the Cowichan District Hospital replacement project is preventing construction at the worksite.

91裸聊视频淲e respect everyone91裸聊视频檚 right to demonstrate and are in ongoing conversations with Cowichan Tribes to discuss their concerns,91裸聊视频� the ministry said in a statement.

91裸聊视频淭he project is in the early stages of construction and we hope issues can be respectfully resolved and we can mitigate project delays.91裸聊视频�

RELATED: PICKET STOPS WORK AT NEW DUNCAN HOSPITAL IN DISPUTE OVER UNION REQUIREMENTS

robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
Like us on and follow us on