Tim Hudak, MPP for Erie-Lincoln, called on Ontario Transportation Minister, Donna Cansfield, today to adhere to the needs of a growing community and re-open the Ministry's licensing office in Grimsby. The MTO decided it would no longer continue to provide licensing services in Grimsby as of March 30, following the retirement of the office's primary operator, Elizabeth Topp. Grimsby residents are now being forced to drive out of town to access licensing services.

"Ms. Topp's friendly approach and dedication to excellent customer service will certainly be missed by the people of Grimsby," Hudak said. "(But) just because Ms. Topp will be hard to replace does not mean the MTO should not bother to look!" In a letter to Minister Cansfield (attached below), Hudak requested the Minister re-consider her decision to close the Grimsby office and urged her to find another service provider.

"Grimsby is a growing community and therefore has a greater demand for such government services, not less," Hudak said.

The McGuinty Liberals have benefited from revenue generated at the Grimsby licensing office, especially since it raised driver's licence fees by 50 per cent in 2004, Hudak said. He added the closure of the local office is simply another case of Ontario residents paying more and receiving less from Premier Dalton McGuinty.

"I don't think it's fair that Grimsby residents, who have been paying more in fees, will now be receiving less in service," Hudak said. "Plus, many communities smaller than Grimsby still maintain an MTO licensing office."

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April 10, 2007

Dear Minister Cansfield,

As you are aware, Ms. Elizabeth Topp, the operator of the local Grimsby MTO licensing office, has chosen to retire after nearly 30 years of service. Ms. Topp's friendly approach and dedication to excellent customer service will certainly be missed by the people of Grimsby.

However, I do not understand why the MTO has decided not to find another service provider in Grimsby, and, in doing so, force Grimsby residents to drive out of town to access a licensing office. Just because Ms. Topp will be hard to replace does not mean the MTO should not bother to look!

I am writing to directly express the great disappointment the people of Grimsby have for your Ministry's decision to permanently close the MTO licence office in Grimsby as of March 30. I share their justifiable objection to the loss of this important service.

Your senior media liaison officer, Bob Nichols, was recently quoted in the Grimsby-Lincoln News saying the MTOs "primary concern is to ensure that Grimsby residents have access to driver and vehicle licensing services." How does forcing Grimsby residents to drive out of town to access these licensing services address that concern?

Grimsby is a growing community and therefore has a greater demand for such government services, not less. Furthermore, the McGuinty Liberals increased driver's licence fees by 50 per cent in 2004. I dont think it's fair that Grimsby residents, who have been paying more in fees, will now be receiving less in service. Plus, many communities smaller than Grimsby still maintain an MTO licensing office.

Therefore, I strongly urge you to reconsider your decision to close the office and to find a replacement provider for these services as soon as possible.

In closing, please accept my best wishes.

Sincerely,

Tim Hudak, MPP for Erie-Lincoln