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Radio ads invite Belle River residents to ServiceOntario meeting

Belle River, Ontario – New radio ads hit the airwaves today to invite residents of Belle River and area to a public meeting to discuss the future of ServiceOntario in their community.

“The recent closure of the ServiceOntario office in Belle River is an opportunity for this community to get a publicly run office that offers the full range of services ServiceOntario provides,” said Mickey Riccardi, president of Local 154 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). “We’re running these ads to invite community members to come out to a public meeting and make their voices heard in support of a great idea.”

The OPSEU-sponsored meeting is set for Saturday, February 18 at 3:00 p.m. at the St. Simon and St. Jude Parish Hall, 267 Meunier Street, Belle River. Essex MPP Taras Natyshak will be the featured speaker.

“What’s at stake in Belle River is what’s at stake everywhere in Ontario,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “The question is, do we want to strong, top-quality public services in every community in this province, or are we willing to settle for a pale imitation delivered by private operators whose main concern is profit, not service?

“There is no doubt in my mind that the public option is the better option for Belle River,” Thomas said. “We’re hoping for a big turnout that will send a strong message to Queen’s Park that Belle River won’t settle for second-class service.” 

The new ad will air on AM 800 (CKLW), COOL FM (CKUE), and Mix 96.7 (CHYR). It can be heard here:

 

For more information: Mickey Riccardi, 519-981-7748; Warren (Smokey) Thomas, 613-329-1931