Arnprior Service Ontario Closure Calls for a Public, Unionized Solution, says OPSEU/SEFPO Local 449 President

RENFREW, ON – The extended closure of the Arnprior Service Ontario centre is more than an inconvenience—it’s a call to action for reimagining how essential public services are delivered in our communities. Liam Vanderbraak, OPSEU/SEFPO Local 449 President, who represents Ontario Public Service employees in the adjacent town of Renfrew, including the Renfrew Service Ontario location, voices concern and advocates for a sustainable solution.

“In times like these, the intrinsic value of public service workers is vividly apparent. Their unwavering dedication and professionalism play a pivotal role in ensuring communities thrive,” states Vanderbraak. He echoes previous sentiments where public service workers epitomize the essence of selfless service, marked by a steadfast commitment to the welfare and progress of every resident.

The closure of the Arnprior Service Ontario centre highlights a significant drawback of outsourcing government services to private entities. Faced with the closure, local residents are forced to travel to adjacent towns or wrestle with the challenges of digital platforms – a particular obstacle for older citizens. This situation illuminates the crucial need for accessible, local, and public services in every community. “Our commitment to the public is unyielding. Regardless of the job or sector, we’re dedicated to delivering exceptional service with unwavering excellence,” remarks David Danone, Vice-President of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 449.

The OPSEU/SEFPO Local 449 President proposes bringing the closed centre under provincial ownership and employing permanent staff represented by OPSEU/SEFPO, a model exemplified by the Service Ontario locations in Renfrew, Pembroke, and Petawawa. These centres have proven resilient and reliable, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery even in challenging circumstances.

“In good times and bad, strong, healthy communities are built on the bedrock of excellent public services delivered by committed and passionate public service workers,” Vanderbraak asserts.

The union leader underscores the pivotal role of OPSEU/SEFPO members in ensuring that services are not just available but are of the highest quality, which is crucial especially for smaller communities like Arnprior. OPSEU/SEFPO Local 449 is ready to collaborate with provincial authorities and the private operator to restore and elevate the service delivery model, ensuring it’s robust, resilient, and responsive to the community’s needs.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Liam Vanderbraak, OPSEU/SEFPO Local 449 President
(866) 283-0557 | president@opseulocal449.ca