Kingston Area Council to rally for a Public ServiceOntario

KINGSTON, ON, Feb. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union will hold an information picket Friday to protest the possible privatization of ServiceOntario.

When:						Friday, February 3, 2012
Where:						1201 Division St., Kingston
Time:						Noon-1 p.m.

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas says there could be serious consequences if the government moves forward with plans to completely privatize this agency.

"With privatization, you run an increased risk of identity theft and fraud," Thomas said. "Drivers' licences and health cards are major pieces of identification. Why would the government jeopardize our security?"

ServiceOntario processes 48 million transactions annually and contributes $2.7 billion annually to government revenues. Thomas says there are no economic reasons to sell it to a private company.

"ServiceOntario brings in more revenue than either the LCBO or the Ontario Lottery Corporation," Thomas said. "All that privatization will accomplish is to increase user fees, close down some locations and open up 11 different data bases of personal information to a private company. It's a bad idea that needs to be shelved quickly."

Chris Cormier, OPSEU Executive Board Member 613-921-5346