Province reviews decision to close 9 ServiceOntario outlets

The Ontario government is reviewing a decision to close nineServiceOntario outlets across the province, including one inKemptville, Ont.,following strong opposition to the decision that included a petition with thousands of signatures.

TheMinistry of Government and Consumer Servicessaid it would be reviewing the decision further to ensure the province continues to providethe best service for customers while also being fiscally responsible.

"We take all customer concerns seriously and are committed to making the best decision possible," said thestatement to CBC on Monday from the ministry.

The nine centres slated to close arelocated in Mississauga, Terrace Bay, Milton, Guelph, Morrisburg, Embrun, Minden, Kemptville and Blind River.

Leeds-Grenville MPP applauds review

The decision to reviewcomes just days after Leeds-Grenville PCMPP Steve Clark tabled petitions at Queen's Park signed by more than 8,600 people.

Clark has been leading the fight against the closure of the Kemptville ServiceOntario outletsince staff were told about itat the beginning of May.

Hesays this review is a step in the right direction, but wants the government to take the closure off the table permanently.

"The government went ahead with these nineannouncements that they were going to close ServiceOntario locationswithout the data to support it," said Clark. "I think they just literally just threw darts at a dart board and picked ninelocations."

The closure of the Kemptville branch isto take place Feb. 24, 2017.The offices in Embrun and Morrisburg are slated to closeNov. 25, 2016.