PICKLE LAKE — After a lengthy hiatus, the Ontario government has announced a partnership to reopen a Service Ontario location in Pickle Lake.
Although most of the services offered at the outlet can be completed online, the lack of access to serviceable internet in rural and remote communities makes it difficult to successfully fill out and submit forms, often requiring residents — particularly seniors — to travel to urban centres to renew important documents such as health cards and driver's licences.
“This means ensuring customers in Northern Ontario and here in Pickle Lake have access to these in-person services they deserve through our alternative service delivery model. Our government continues to innovate and find sustainable ways to create a presence in underserved communities and maintain it to reduce any potential service gaps," said Todd McCarthy, the minister of public and business service delivery.
"This includes integrated community service hubs like the one we are standing in right now. This allows Ontarians and local residents here to access products and services from both levels of government in a shared space.”
Being a community hub for the surrounding First Nations, the Service Ontario location will make it easier for northern communities to renew necessary documentation such as licenses, certificates and identification cards.
NDP deputy leader Sol Mamakwa praised the decision, and even offered his gratitude to McCarthy travelling to the Kiiwetinoong riding which Mamakwa represents.
“It’s an honour to welcome you. It’s not every day that a representative of the government comes to the Kiiwetinoong riding to provide some service to the people,” said Mamakwa.
“One of the things I always talk about is the biggest room in the world is a room for improvement and this service can do that.”
Mamakwa said that as the winter road season approaches, the Service Ontario site will see fly-in First Nation communities using the location.
He also called on McCarthy to travel to the fly-in First Nation communities to witness the way of life of the people he is servicing and break down the barriers of Ontario’s past documentation policies.
“I challenge the minister to travel to the fly-in First Nations and I also challenge the minister to know that all of us that are First Nations, our names have been changed from oppression and colonialism because they couldn't spell our names. I think reclaiming our names is one way where we do not have to pay for our service. So those are the challenges and I know you will do it,” said Mamakwa.
