Hon. Michael Currie, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, and Hon. Chester Gillan, Minister of Education, wish to advise the public that their Departments are conducting an investigation into the quality of steel joists incorporated in various buildings constructed during the period of 1970 to 1985. The investigation began in October, 1996, and will be completed by August, 1997; the investigation is being carried out by an independent structural engineer and a welding inspector.
The investigation was considered a necessary action after the Departments were notified that some steel joists, utilized for building construction in other provinces, appeared to have been manufactured with poor quality workmanship.
Department staff reviewed documentation on file relating to the construction of Government facilities, including schools, during the period of concern. Based on this documentation, a list of locations that were constructed utilizing steel joists from the supplier, whose quality is questionable, was prepared.
A total of fourteen facilities were scheduled for inspection. Based on the results of the inspections completed to date and the service history of the joists, the Departmental staff do not feel there is an emergency situation.