Ontario takes step towards privatized licensing

Avatar photo

QUEEN’S PARK, Ont. — Legislation designed to improve customer service for Ontario drivers by allowing the transfer of some programs and services to new service providers was introduced today by Transportation Minister Brad Clark.

“MTO would continue to set and enforce quality standards to ensure road user safety,” says Clark. “Our role would include rigorous auditing and monitoring of the way services are provided.”

If the legislation passes, driver examination services would be transferred to the private sector, including written, vision and road testing. The new service provider would be obligated to ensure no one in Ontario waits more than six weeks for a driver examination.

The government would continue to set the fees for driver examination services. The legislation would also require private service providers to observe strict privacy protection standards.

If the Improving Customer Service for Road Users Act, 2001, passes and a successful bidder is found and approved by the government, it is anticipated that driver exam services could be transferred to a new service provider by the end of 2001.

The Improving Customer Service for Road Users Act, 2001 supports the provincial government’s commitment to improve customer service by managing rather than delivering services, and to give taxpayers smaller and more efficient government.

“Transferring some road user services to new providers would improve customer service by capitalizing on private sector flexibility and innovation,” says Clark. “Both public safety and personal privacy would be safeguarded.”

The transfer of services would enable the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to focus on setting standards, developing policy and managing services effectively, adds the minister.

Avatar photo

Truck News is Canada's leading trucking newspaper - news and information for trucking companies, owner/operators, truck drivers and logistics professionals working in the Canadian trucking industry.


Have your say


This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.

*