Six ServiceOntario centers are scheduled to open in Staples Canada stores across the province by the end of the week.

Starting February 1, Ontario residents will be able to access in-person government services at Staples Canada retail stores in Oakville, Strathroy, Newmarket, Scarborough, Tillsonburg, and Welland.

The new centers are part of a three-year pilot program launched by the Doug Ford government aimed at improving customer service and increasing convenience.

Three additional centers will open later this year in Keswick, Hamilton, and Toronto.

This was officially announced by the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery Todd McCarthy on Monday morning after weeks of speculation.

The government said expiring contracts give it an opportunity to "reassess" the delivery of ServiceOntario services.

It added that more than a dozen retailers participated in this process, and factors such as excellence in customer service, community presence, cost-effectiveness, and scalability were taken into consideration.

Last week, Premier Doug Ford said the pilot program with Staples Canada would revolve around convenience. Ford insisted that government-run stores would not be affected in this process.

He continued: “Not everyone can access one of the outlets from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., it’s very simple. It’s about customer service.”

According to the new centers' hours provided by the government, the new locations will open at 9 a.m. and close between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays.

On Saturdays, they will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This step is part of a broader review of ServiceOntario centers in the province. The government said the review will only affect privately operated centers, which make up about 71 percent of ServiceOntario locations, and state-operated centers will not be affected.

Who will pay for this?

The government said placing ServiceOntario kiosks inside Staples retail stores will save taxpayers about $900,000 over three years.

Under its business model, ServiceOntario will provide a one-time payment for all capital costs to Staples related to construction and initial setup, in addition to covering labor costs and operating expenses.

Staples Canada will be responsible for the joint design and construction of the centers, as well as leasing costs.