Ontario set to close some ServiceOntario locations
The Doug Ford government is shuttering some ServiceOntario locations.
In December, the province revealed it would be propping up ServiceOntario centres inside select Staples Canada stores in early 2024 in an effort to “make it easier” for Ontarians accessing these services, like renewing their driver’s licences. But, the province failed to say it would be closing down a number of centres.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
“A number of factors were considered when our government conducted lengthy consultations with retail partners on the pilot, including the size of stores, parking availability, number of locations across Ontario and willingness to participate,” Doug Allingham, the press secretary for the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery, told CTV News Toronto in an emailed statement.
According to the ministry, Staples Canada was chosen as all store locations met with the province’s criteria, adding customers “will be able to benefit from a 30% improvement to current service accessibility hours.”
Additionally, all of the ServiceOntario locations that are set shut down will have a new location pop up in select Staples Canada stores where “service will remain uninterrupted.”
The province did not disclose how many ServiceOntario locations will putting up the shutters or when these closures are set to happen.
The ministry said the employees who work for the impacted private service providers will be offered opportunities to continue working with Staples Canada. Meanwhile, small businesses will remain with ServiceOntario’s “in-person network.”
‘THIS IS NOT AN EXPANSION OF SERVICE’
The Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Ontario Greens decried the Ford government’s shutdowns.
Catherine Fife, the NDP critic for Finance and Treasury Board, said this move raised serious concerns about Ontarians’ ability to access government services.
“This will simply hurt those already left waiting at ServiceOntario to access services such as renewing their health cards, and more,” Fife said in a release, adding shutting down locations without detailing how many will be impacted or how services will be managed is “worrisome.”
“This is not an expansion of service, but another attempt for Ford to quietly hand over more of our public services to private corporations.”
Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles added in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, that these closures could “worsen delays in the middle of an affordability crisis.”
Ontario Greens leader Mike Schreiner echoed the NDP’s concerns, adding they have “had enough of the PC’s privatization agenda.”
“Here we have yet another example of the Ford government putting backroom deals before everyday Ontarians – not to mention big-box retailers before independent businesses,” Schreiner said in a release.
“In what world does it make sense to go to an office supply chain to renew your drivers’ licence or health card?”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING James Earl Jones, acclaimed actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93
James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen — eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, 'The Lion King' and Darth Vader — has died. He was 93.
BREAKING Alberta protesters get 6 1/2-year sentences for roles in Coutts border blockade
Two men have been sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison for their roles in the blockade of the Canada-U.S. border crossing at Coutts, Alta.
BREAKING Harvey Weinstein undergoes emergency heart surgery
Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was rushed to a hospital from a New York City prison on Sunday and underwent heart surgery on Monday, his representatives said.
John and Matthew Gaudreau are mourned by the hockey community, family and friends at their funeral
John and Matthew Gaudreau were remembered as loving brothers and husbands who put family above hockey and everything else at a tearful funeral held Monday, a week and a half after they died when they were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles in their home state of New Jersey.
Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney to join Liberal Party as special adviser
Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney will be joining the Liberal Party as a special adviser. In an official press release on Monday, the party says Carney will serve as the chair of a leader's task force on economic growth.
BREAKING 'Peter Nygard is a sexual predator:' Former fashion mogul sentenced to 11 years in prison
Former Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. The sentence was handed to Nygard, 83, by Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert Goldstein in Toronto on Monday. Last November, a jury found Nygard guilty of four counts of sexual assault following a six-week trial.
Quebec village preparing for 370 per cent hike in property taxes
Residents in the small Quebec village of Danford Lake may soon be priced out of their homes, as property valuations and taxes are set to skyrocket.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, 'doing what I can to stay cancer free' after finishing chemotherapy
Catherine, Princess of Wales, has said she has completed her chemotherapy and is 'doing what I can to stay cancer free,' as she plans to return gradually to public life in the months ahead.
opinion Princess of Wales, after gruelling chemotherapy, offers words of hope for fellow cancer patients
Royal commentator Afua Hagan says the Princess of Wales' announcement that she's completed her course of preventative chemotherapy marks a significant milestone in her recovery from the illness discovered following abdominal surgery earlier this year, and a massive relief for the Royal Family.