In the wake of the recent closing of Arthur’s Ministry of Transportation (MTO) licence bureau, Perth-Wellington MPP John Wilkinson has publically voiced his support to see the office reopen.
“The people of Arthur and area have always valued the convenience of having a licence bureau,” said Wilkinson.
“With the recent closing people now have to travel to Fergus, Mount Forest or Harriston. That is unacceptable to me and the people I represent.
“I have personally contacted my colleague [Minister of Government Services Harinder Takhar].”
He has assured me that after a public competition for a new service provider, this valuable rural service will be restored.”
Wilkinson added, “I have also been reassured that the decision to close the existing office was not taken lightly and was necessary. Nevertheless, I know that my constituents have been inconvenienced as a result and I will not rest until this service is restored.
“Importantly, I have been advised that, when reopened, Arthur will receive the new enhanced services coming to all Service Ontario locations this fall. Specifically, people will soon be able to renew not only their driver’s licence, but their health cards as well. This will be of immense benefit to my constituents.”
However, in response to a later email asking why the closure was “necessary,” Wilkinson’s assistant Paul Milton wrote that, “Driver and vehicle licence issuing offices are independently owned and operated under contract with Service Ontario.
“As such, it would be inappropriate for MPP Wilkinson to comment on the history of that contractual relationship.”
