Driver Examination outsourcing raises safety, security and cost issues

TORONTO - The contracting out of Driver Examination Centres (DEC) across Ontario to a foreign company raises many questions about public safety, security and cost to consumers.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), representing more than 700 DEC staff, says the sale for $114 million and $200,000 per month over 10 years is a fire-sale of assets reminiscent of the pre-election sell-off of Hwy. 407 in 1999.

OPSEU President Leah Casselman said: “Eves has sold out the people of Ontario to pay for more pre-election goodies. Who can say they won’t keep raising examination fees for drivers willy nilly like the owners of Highway 407 have done?”

The deal also raises serious questions about the release of medical records and other personal information into the hands of an offshore private company. In Quebec, journalist Michel Auger was shot when a private drivers services contractor released his personal information to members of a motorcycle gang.

“This company, Serco DES, has 34,000 employees around the world - how many of these will have access to Ontario driver records?” asked OPSEU Ministry of Transportation MERC Chair John O’Brien. He said the deal may also mean our Ontario drivers licenses will no longer be an accepted credential at the United States border.

“Ironically, this service was taken over by the government in 1961 because the private service delivery was so corrupt,” said O’Brien. “Now once again we have this sensitive information released into the hands of an offshore firm we know very little about - in the government’s rush to cash out every possible asset in the pre-election period.”

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For further information:

John O’Brien, OPSEU MTO MERC Chair: 807-628-4364
David Cox, OPSEU Communications: 416-443-8888 (ext 314)
Randy Robinson OPSEU Communications: 416-443-8888 (ext 441)