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BRIAN DIJKEMA

HAMILTON — Stockholm syndrome happens when hostages exist in captivity so long they start to identify with and become sympathetic towards their captors.

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Could we see a form of this condition soon in the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), and Toronto Community Housing Corp. (TCHC)?

Despite the recent passage of a provincial bill to free them all from the grip of a handful of labour unions, there’s a distinct possibility all three could soon head back into captivity.

When Bill 66 is signed into law in Ontario, it will free Toronto (as well as the TDSB and TCH) from having to restrict bidding on construction and other contracts to companies affiliated with a small handful of favoured unions.

Remember the TDSB’s infamous $143 pencil sharpener and $500 toilet seat?

Those were the results of the TDSB’s restrictive bidding process.

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With the passage of Bill 66, neither the city, nor the school board, nor the social housing authority needs to limit bids. They can open up the work to truly competitive bids from any contractor qualified to do the work.