Charlottetown businessman Kent MacPhee is expressing outrage with the recent decision of Charlottetown city council over phone service.
MacPhee said he decided to speak out following council’s decision.
MacPhee is the president and CEO of Advantage Communications’ flagship centre on Brackley Point Road in Charlottetown. He said Eastlink is a signature client in his business.
“If what I read is even half true, I’m completely shocked that the city could be so unfair and I would even go so far as to say unethical,’’ MacPhee said.
“As a personal and corporate taxpayer, I’m disappointed that the city saw fit to change the rules. They clearly don’t seem to have taxpayers’ best interests in mind. When companies respond to RFP’s, they have the right to fair and just practices and that does not seem to be the case here at all.’’
At its regular monthly meeting Monday night, council voted 5-4 to sign up with Bell Aliant on local and long distance calls.
Jason Coady was one of the councillors who voted against the move, explaining that when the city puts out the initial request for proposals Eastlink’s bid was close to $20,000 cheaper than Bell’s.
However, Coun. Melissa Hilton, who moved the resolution, said that the bid process had expired and that it was now going with Bell Aliant because its amended bid was now about $2,000 less expensive than Eastlink.
Hilton added the decision is also tied into an upcoming announcement that will shed more light on the issue.
MacPhee said he agrees with Coady, saying that it’s common practice to take the lowest bid.
“To see our client treated unfairly by the city is very embarrassing, quite frankly.’’
MacPhee said aside from jobs and substantial economic impacts to the area, Eastlink is a Maritime company that invests heavily in Charlottetown and has done so for many years, with its local community channel Eastlink TV, and investments in East Coast Music Week, Eastlink Centre and the annual QEH Foundation fundraiser.
“This is simply wrong and very disrespectful to the entire procurement process.’’
City says Bell Aliant deal good for taxpayers
The City of Charlottetown responded late Thursday to criticism over its new contract with Bell Aliant.
City council recently passed a resolution, 5-4, to go with Bell Aliant for local and long distance phone service.
“We do appreciate that concerns have been raised about the city’s adherence to its purchasing policies in regard to this contract,’’ Coun. Melissa Hilton, chairwoman of the finance committee, said in a press release.
“What we can tell you is that our annual local and long distance phone service is being reduced from $150,000 to $83,000 as a result of the request for proposals. In subsequent discussions with Bell Aliant, that cost was further reduced to $63,000 annually which is below the competitor’s bid.’’
Hilton added that in addition, the city will realize significant funding that will go directly against the CARI facility’s capital costs, of which the city is responsible for 87 per cent.
“The City of Charlottetown strives to strike the best deal for taxpayers. We trust that once all of the facts are known, citizens will support the council decision.’’
The agreement with Bell Aliant is tied to an upcoming announcement but Hilton said the city can’t reveal any details about it.
“The announcement that relates to the agreement is not ours to make. When the details of the funding agreement for the CARI Complex are made public by our partners, we will provide further comment at that time.”
