RE:Globe and Mail reports....... Yes. Thanks Form for raising this again.
He mentionned it last Thursday during his talk at the chamber of commerce.
Basically he wants to replace the conventional design build LSTK contracts or the design, build, maintain and operate LSTK contracts that SNC is walking out of, because of the undue risk absorbed by the private partner (consortium).
He is promoting a NEW partnership framework used in Australia and the UK whereby all parties work in trust and open book and the owner assumes the risks but SNC (or whoever is selected in a due fair procurement process / obviously SNC would have a substantial edge here) as the prime would be sharing all info at all times in the most transparent fashion. This means no partner of the consortium would add huge contingencies to protect from unforeseen events or loose his shirt and starts claiming and playing legal games at huge legal costs.
This is better for SNC because it won't have to assume any more risks and potentially loose money.
BUT it is also more advantageous for the owner because of the following reasons :
The construction does not start until all needs have been assessed and the stakeholder consultation thoroughly conducted to make sure the objectives are brainstormed properly and achieved at the least cost possible. How ?: with digital 3D modeling and simulation (virtual) of what stakeholders (USERS - WE) get and at what price for the whole duration of the life of the infrastructure and NOT the initial construction cost ONLY. In other words optimizing costs needs to consider life cycle costs AND knowing what to optimize (what users really want and are willing to pay for and how much all costs would be with a risk analysis and sensitivity assessment for whatever "predictable" mishap might happen). AND THE OWNER TAKES THOSE RISKS because it is unfair for the private partner to request him to play this casino game or add huge contingencies plus all these potential risks are difficult to insure and cost lots of money to insure when possible.
All info is shared at all time on the cloud accessible electronic documentation system.