FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 22, 2001

Privatization a step toward corruption

HAMILTON – About 30 driver examiners and representatives of driving schools protested outside Transportation Minister Brad Clark’s office at noon Friday in opposition to privatization of driver examinations.

Ed McCartan, president of OPSEU Local 204, said if the examinations are privatized, the government will no longer be responsible for road safety. "It opens to door to corruption. I expect people will be able to buy a driver’s licence for about $500."

This could lead to serious accidents, where unqualified drivers have access to our highways, McCartan said.

He also raised concerns about private companies having access to confidential information about drivers in the province.

The ministry released figures Friday showing 94 per cent are satisfied with the service provided by the ministry. The entire operational cost to the province for driver testing is about $22 million a year, and it brings in more than $200 million. "Privatization does not make economic sense," McCartan said.

In the Hamilton Niagara area, 85 per cent of examiners have decided not to take jobs with a private contractor, which will mean very few senior qualified people will be available after the changeover. "This has to hurt the quality of service they will be offering," he said.

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For further information:

Ed McCartan – 905-574-1833 (home) or 905-512-0430 (cell)
OPSEU web page: http://www.opseu.org/campaign/mtooindex.htm