FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 2, 2001

Drive to Privatize could be Hazardous, warns Casselman 

TORONTO - The Ontario government should halt its plans for privatization of driver licensing and examination services because of potential risks to public safety and security, says Leah Casselman, President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). 

The Conservatives, who plan to privatize driver licensing and examination services over the next year, have scheduled second reading on the required legislation this week. 

“Despite all the lessons the world has learned about safety and security issues, this government persists in its agenda as if nothing has changed. This is a scary thought for Ontarians,” Casselman said. “We are very concerned about what happens when confidential public information falls into private hands. Now more than ever, our public services should stay public.” 

OPSEU’s concerns about this Bill are twofold. First, driver examinations must be conducted competently and professionally so that the public can be sure drivers are passing exams on merit. 

The second concern is that driver licensing offices have access to sensitive information. If such information falls into the wrong hands it could pose a threat not only to personal security, but to the safety of society as a whole. 

Casselman said women and families hiding from abusive ex-partners could be put at risk and organized criminals could use it to track down their rivals. “Indeed, terrorists could use this information to create false identification papers. Given this government’s record on protecting public privacy, Ontarians should be very, very frightened of the potential dangers of privatizing a service that deals with such private and personal files,” said Casselman. 

Both Ontario opposition parties oppose privatization of these services. Liberal MPP Pat Hoy has presented a petition this week in the Legislature, asking that privatization of these services be scrapped. NDP MPP Peter Kormos has also said, "Our streets and highways will be more dangerous places if the Conservatives are allowed to privatize driver examinations."

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For further information: 
David Cox, OPSEU Communications 416-443-8888 x 314