On the same day that hundreds of Algoma Steel employees worked their last shift, Sault Ste. Marie city council took an important stand for unionized workers and public services in the city, voting down a motion to privatize municipal garbage services.
“This is not simply about budgets. It’s about public safety, accountability, and the livelihood of local families,” said Mark Harrington, president of CUPE 3, in his address to council prior to the vote. “City staff have run the landfill for decades with skill and dedication. We know the site, the system, and the community.”
Council’s decision not to move forward with the Request for Proposals, RFP, sends a clear message: in a moment of economic uncertainty, protecting stable, well-paying union jobs matters. With layoffs at , Algoma Steel rippling through the community, councillors emphasized the importance of preserving jobs that support families and sustain the local economy.
The motion to pursue privatization was defeated 7–4. Councillors Marchy Bruni, Luke Dufour, Ron Zagordo, and Mayor Shoemaker supported moving forward with the RFP. Councillors Sandra Hollingsworth, Sonny Spina, Lisa Vezeau-Allen, Angela Caputo, Stephan Kinach, Corey Gardi, and Matthew Scott voted against it – many after raising serious concerns about risks to public oversight, environmental protection, and service quality.
Councillor Hollingsworth, who had seconded the original motion, underscored the impact of Harrington’s deputation:
“I appreciate Mr. Harrington coming tonight. You highlighted some really important facts, especially on this day where Algoma Steel is laying off so many individuals.”
The proposed RFP followed an unsolicited bid from Green For Life, GFL, to take over waste management operations. During debate, councillors pointed to GFL’s environmental record and raised concerns about accountability under private operation.
“In two years at Stony Creek, GFL had 10 provincial complaints under the Environmental Protection Act,” said Councillor Matthew Scott. “Right now, we have a say, we know we’re responsible, we know our staff are taking care of it. Once that’s out of our hands, that’s it. That’s my biggest concern. I don’t think the city should ever give this up.”
Councillor Sonny Spina emphasized the irreplaceable value of experienced municipal workers: “The folks who are on site know the systems, know the site, know the community and have the institutional knowledge required to have that facility function now and into the future. I don’t think it’s in the best interest of Sault Ste. Marie to privatize this part of operations.”
CUPE 3 also highlighted that no meaningful public consultation had taken place on a decision with significant implications for public health, environmental safety, and service delivery, a critique that was echoed by several councillors.
Following the vote, Harrington framed the outcome as a reflection of community priorities.
“This is about our community values,” he said. “We should not sacrifice local accountability and good jobs for short-term savings. I am proud that our city council made the right decision.”