The Ontario government said it will close some ServiceOntario centers and open new locations in Staples Canada stores.

This news comes as the government said last month it will open new ServiceOntario centers in selected Staples Canada stores in early 2024. At that time, the government did not say that existing centers would be closed.

Doug Ellingham, press secretary to the Minister of Public Service and Business Services Delivery, Todd McCarthy, confirmed this in an email on Wednesday. He did not mention how many locations will be closed or where the new centers will be opened.

Ontario residents receive many other provincial documents from ServiceOntario, such as driver's licenses, license plates, health cards, Ontario photo cards, and birth certificates.

Ellingham wrote in an email that ServiceOntario is moving forward with ways to improve people's experience, streamline processes, and ensure a sustainable and cost-effective way to meet the needs of Ontario cities.

The email also said the provincial government considered a number of factors as part of consultations with retail partners, including store size, parking availability, the number of locations in Ontario, and readiness to participate.

Ellingham said Staples Canada was chosen because all its locations meet the standards set by the province.

All ServiceOntario locations that are closed will be opened in designated Staples Canada stores, and service will remain uninterrupted. He said employees of the closing centers will be given opportunities to continue working with Staples Canada.

Green Party leader Mike Schreiner questioned this decision made by the Ford government. He said the government is quietly promoting a privatization agenda and providing benefits to its corporate friends.