OHMPA releases statement on Auditor General’s report

Donn Bernal addresses OHMPA Fall Seminar delegates in Vaughan, ON.

First order of business at today’s 25th annual OHMPA Fall Seminar was addressing Auditor General, Bonnie Lysyk’s annual report. Released yesterday, the report states that sub-standard asphalt has led to early pavement cracking on provincial highways in Ontario, costing taxpayers millions.

In his morning welcome to delegates, OHMPA president Donn Bernal explained the Auditor General’s report had come as a shock, and the organization will be reviewing the report in great detail.

In an effort to maintain the day’s focus on planned asphalt topics and presenters, he posted the following statement:

OHMPA STATEMENT

Since 1974, the Ontario Hot Mix Producers’ Association (OHMPA) has been recognized as the authoritative voice of the asphalt producing industry in the province of Ontario. OHMPA promotes excellence in asphalt quality and paving. OHMPA is surprised and extremely displeased to hear that industry is being characterized in this way. In addition, OHMPA disagrees with the conclusions made by the Auditor General and we strongly object to the inconsistent assertions made in the Report.

For over 42 year, OHMPA has worked tirelessly in partnership and collaboration with municipal and provincial road owners to foster innovation and share best practices and continues to do so to ensure long lasting asphalt pavements. We will review the report in greater detail before commenting further.”

To read the report, go to: http://www.auditor.on.ca/en/content/annualreports/arbyyear/ar2016.html