Province reviews decision to close 9 ServiceOntario outlets
Robyn Miller | CBC News | Posted: June 7, 2016 12:17 AM | Last Updated: June 7, 2016
'We take all customer concerns seriously and are committed to making the best decision possible'
The Ontario government is reviewing a decision to close nine ServiceOntario outlets across the province, including one in Kemptville, Ont., following strong opposition to the decision that included a petition with thousands of signatures.
The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services said it would be reviewing the decision further to ensure the province continues to provide the best service for customers while also being fiscally responsible.
"We take all customer concerns seriously and are committed to making the best decision possible," said the statement to CBC on Monday from the ministry.
The nine centres slated to close are located in Mississauga, Terrace Bay, Milton, Guelph, Morrisburg, Embrun, Minden, Kemptville and Blind River.
Leeds-Grenville MPP applauds review
The decision to review comes just days after Leeds-Grenville PC MPP Steve Clark tabled petitions at Queen's Park signed by more than 8,600 people.
Clark has been leading the fight against the closure of the Kemptville ServiceOntario outlet since staff were told about it at the beginning of May.
He says this review is a step in the right direction, but wants the government to take the closure off the table permanently.
"The government went ahead with these nine announcements that they were going to close ServiceOntario locations without the data to support it," said Clark. "I think they just literally just threw darts at a dart board and picked nine locations."
The closure of the Kemptville branch is to take place Feb. 24, 2017. The offices in Embrun and Morrisburg are slated to close Nov. 25, 2016.