Latest news with #publicprivatepartnership
CBC
2 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Hospital alleges its floors aren't flat, files $100M lawsuit against builder
Humber River Health is suing the consortium contracted to build and maintain its Toronto hospital for $100 million, alleging that negligent design and construction is creating health and safety problems for patients and staff. The lawsuit, filed in early April, alleges that a "sizable portion" of the hospital's floors are not level or flat and that some of the flooring itself is deteriorating. "Floor levelness is a critical operational and safety issue," reads Humber River Health's claim, filed in Ontario Superior Court. "Non-level floors make it difficult for staff to move equipment, supplies, food, and patients on wheeled transportation devices. Often, wheeled carts have to be placed behind rubber stoppers to prevent the carts from sliding out of position." The statement of claim goes on to say that the floor conditions "have led, and will continue to lead, to health and safety issues" for patients and staff. It also says that durability problems with the floors are having a major operational impact as "critical rooms" and areas of the hospital have been unavailable because of maintenance. Touted as North America's first fully digital hospital, construction on Humber River Hospital began in 2011 and it opened in October 2015. The facility was built through a public-private partnership with Plenary Health Care Partnerships. The Ontario government contracted Plenary to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the hospital for 30 years. WATCH | Why this hospital is suing the consortium that built it: Toronto hospital sues builder for $100M claiming uneven floors create safety issues 19 minutes ago Duration 2:15 In a statement, Humber River Health spokesperson Joe Gorman said the hospital is "implementing all necessary measures to ensure the best experience for our patients, staff and community" while it works to resolve these problems. Plenary Health Care Partnerships hasn't filed a statement of defence yet. Due to contractual obligations, the consortium told CBC Toronto it couldn't comment. Not the first lawsuit The floor lawsuit is the latest in a series of claims filed in the last couple of years concerning alleged issues with the design and construction of the northwest Toronto hospital. Since 2023, four other lawsuits totalling at least $10.4 million have been filed by Plenary Health Care Partnerships against the contractor and various subcontractors hired to design and build the hospital. The claims are looking for compensation for property damage from flooding caused by valve and breaker leaks and for design flaws with its domestic water system, which affected hot and cold water in patient rooms within the first year the hospital opened, according to the court filings. The leaks included one above the ceiling of the hospital's cancer care unit. The contractor and subcontractors have filed statements of defence in some of those lawsuits. They deny the allegations and any liability claimed by the consortium. Two of the lawsuits concerning leaks and issues with the water system have spawned third-party claims from the subcontractors being sued claiming another third-party subcontractor should be held liable in their place if the courts determine damages are warranted, which they deny. CBC Toronto contacted Ontario's Ministry of Health for comment on whether it is concerned about these alleged construction and design issues with a public hospital that is just 10 years old and on the impact the problems are having on hospital operations and patient care.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion - Defunding Energy Star will harm small businesses and US competitiveness
The recent announcement by the administration to defund the Energy Star program is an alarming development for small and mid-size businesses that have relied on its benchmarks for over 30 years. From a purely business perspective, the elimination of Energy Star isn't merely about labels on appliances; it directly impacts operational costs, performance consistency and market competitiveness. The Energy Star program stands as a remarkably successful example of a public-private partnership that delivers substantial, measurable benefits to American consumers and businesses and the environment. Energy Star has long provided clear and reliable standards that have enabled small businesses to make informed investments in energy-efficient products. This clarity translates into direct financial savings, reducing energy expenses by up to 30 percent according to the Environmental Protection Agency's own data. Especially for small businesses operating on tight margins, these savings aren't trivial — they represent critical capital that can be reinvested into core business activities such as product development, hiring additional employees or expanding market reach. Beyond immediate cost reductions, Energy Star has established an essential standardization in measuring and reporting appliance and equipment performance. Small business owners have relied on these standards to make purchases confidently, knowing they are investing in products that perform efficiently and reliably over their lifespan. Without the program, businesses face increased uncertainty, leading to potentially costly investments in substandard products that fail to deliver the promised efficiency and reliability. Consumer trust, a crucial component of market competitiveness for all businesses, is also at risk. The label is widely recognized and trusted by a majority of American households, signaling verified quality and efficiency. Its absence would likely result in an influx of misleading performance claims and unverified efficiency assertions, damaging consumer confidence and creating a competitive environment where cutting corners becomes commonplace. This race to the bottom ultimately harms businesses committed to genuine quality and performance standards. Moreover, from an economic standpoint, the return on investment provided by the program speaks for itself — every federal dollar spent on the program results in approximately $350 in cost savings for businesses and consumers alike. Small businesses particularly benefit from these savings, which enhance profitability, improve cash flow and bolster overall economic resilience. The decision to defund Energy Star appears driven less by fiscal prudence and more by an ideological stance against terms like 'climate change' and 'sustainability.' However, dismissing these concepts as mere political rhetoric overlooks the substantial and proven economic benefits they offer businesses and consumers. Efficiency and sustainability are practical, financially responsible strategies that reduce operational costs, strengthen consumer confidence and enhance long-term business viability. Ultimately, maintaining funding for Energy Star isn't about ideological debates, it's a smart business decision that helps American businesses and consumers. Preserving a program that has demonstrably reduced costs, standardized performance and protected consumer trust should be a straightforward choice for any administration committed to the economic health and competitiveness of American small businesses. Michael Green is a senior advisor on climate and energy policy at the American Sustainable Business Network. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Times of Oman
24-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Over 12,000 Labour Law violators nabbed in five months
MUSCAT: The Security and Safety Services Corporation (SSC) has intensified its role in enforcing labour market regulations, with 12,319 labour law violators arrested and 7,615 deported across Oman in the first five months of this year, according to its CEO, Retired Brigadier Saeed bin Sulaiman Al Asmi. Al Asmi said the crackdown is being conducted in close cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, aimed at upholding Oman's labour laws, particularly those relating to Omanised professions. 'These efforts are part of a broader national objective to regulate the labour market and ensure compliance with the laws of the Sultanate,' he said. He added that SSC's authority stems from its judicial policing powers and over 35 years of operational experience, which enable its inspection units to act decisively. In 2024, SSC apprehended 23,566 labour law violators, with 18,053 deported as part of its enforcement drive. Parallel to its enforcement efforts, SSC continues to make major strides in national employment. The corporation has become a model for effective public-private collaboration, providing specialised security and safety services while also contributing significantly to job creation for Omanis. Al Asmi confirmed that the corporation has achieved 100 percent Omanisation, with a workforce exceeding 12,210 citizens from all governorates of the Sultanate. 'This is a clear reflection of our unwavering commitment to empowering and qualifying Omani cadres according to the highest professional standards,' he said. From the beginning of this year until May, 665 Omani citizens have been recruited by SSC. Looking ahead, the corporation plans to absorb approximately 2,000 more Omanis —both male and female — by May 2026. He emphasised, 'This success would not have been possible without the continued support of the state and the confidence placed in us by governmental and private institutions. It also reinforces our vision to be a national enabler in building a sustainable and stable work environment.' Al Asmi said that SSC invests heavily in the training and field readiness of its staff. The corporation trains around 1,800 citizens annually to qualify them for positions in security, safety, and guarding. 'We are keen to ensure that all our personnel are trained both practically and in the field, which enhances their capabilities and preparedness for diverse tasks,' he explained. Coastal monitoring In addition to its labour enforcement and corporate security services, SSC also contributes to the protection of Oman's natural resources. In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the corporation monitors coastal zones to prevent illegal fishing activities. 'Using advanced tools such as drones and specially equipped surveillance vehicles, our teams work to safeguard fish stocks and marine life,' said Al Asmi. 'So far, more than 400 citizens have been trained in this domain through joint initiatives between our two entities.' Looking ahead, SSC is planning to expand its services further by embracing innovation in security technology. 'We aspire to broaden our expertise in industrial firefighting and occupational health services, with a focus on artificial intelligence in firefighting technologies,' said Al Asmi. He added that the corporation is working on a strategy to establish regional branches across Oman by 2030, further enhancing its reach and readiness to meet the growing demands of both public and private clients. Al Asmi reiterated SSC's unique role as a national model for integrated safety and security services, powered by Omani talent. 'We provide a safe and stable environment for institutions, and we do this with trained Omani cadres who perform their duties with a high degree of professionalism,' he said. He described the corporation as a 'supportive umbrella' for young Omanis in the private sector and a cornerstone of sustainable national development. 'Our path forward remains rooted in service excellence, national employment, and our responsibility to uphold the law.' - (With ONA inputs)
Arab News
23-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
PM Sharif tells business leaders private sector key to economy ahead of June 10 budget
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday emphasized the pivotal role of the private sector in driving economic development, asserting that a robust public-private partnership was essential for the country's emergence as a strong global economy. Sharif made these remarks during a meeting with presidents of chambers of commerce from across the nation, coinciding with the government's announcement to present the next federal budget on June 10. The government has consistently stressed the need for the private sector to lead in strengthening the national economy, assuring it of state support. Sharif reiterated this stance, highlighting the necessity of collaboration between the government and private enterprises in the country. 'There is a need to mobilize the private sector to achieve economic self-reliance,' the Prime Minister's Office quoted him as saying during the meeting. 'Protecting the rights of the Pakistani business community and providing them with a conducive environment for profitable business are among the top priorities of the government,' he continued. Sharif also pledged to reduce the cost of doing business in Pakistan, noting that measures were being implemented to facilitate access to loans and reduce electricity prices. Addressing tax compliance, he emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward tax evasion. Pakistan has historically one of the lowest tax-to-GDP ratios in the region. The government has tried to addressed the situation by reforming its tax collection body through increased automation to improve collection and compliance. The official statement said the delegation of business leaders commended the government's economic policies, citing gradual improvements in the national economy and business environment. They also presented budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year. Pakistan is scheduled to release a comprehensive economic survey for the outgoing fiscal year on June 9, only a day ahead of the budget preparation.
Malay Mail
23-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Penang Hill cable car to cost taxpayers nothing, state agency says as private firm Hartasuma takes on RM245m project
GEORGE TOWN, May 23 — The Penang Hill cable car project will be fully financed and developed by a private concessionaire, with no cost to the state government, the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) said today. In a statement, the state agency said the RM245 million project was awarded to local rail firm Hartasuma Sdn Bhd under a 30-year public-private partnership (PPP) using a design-finance-build-operate-transfer (DFBOT) model. Ownership will revert to the state once the concession ends, it noted. PHC said the PPP approach was chosen to ease the financial burden on the state, with Hartasuma responsible for funding and operating the system. Austrian ropeway specialist Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH has been tapped to supply the cable car technology. The clarification comes amid local media reports citing political concerns over the project's rising costs and current progress, with construction currently at just seven per cent completion. PHC said the budget was based on estimates from a 2021 request-for-proposal (RFP), during a period marked by COVID-19-related economic uncertainty, inflation, as well as higher labour and material costs. The project design was also adjusted to strengthen long-term viability. Despite the challenges, PHC said Hartasuma remains committed to delivering an international-standard cable car system spanning 2.73 kilometres from the Penang Botanic Gardens to the top of Bukit Bendera. The project includes three main stations namely, the Garden Station at the base, a mid-route Turn Station and the Hill Station at the summit, as well as a multi-storey car park, commercial plaza opposite the Botanic Gardens Department and a dedicated bus parking space. PHC said careful planning was underway to ensure the infrastructure integrates sustainably with the natural environment. Once completed, the cable car is also expected to ease congestion on Penang Hill during peak seasons and reduce chronic traffic around the Botanic Gardens area. — Bernama
