Did the province save money from this agreement?
Public and Business Services Delivery Minister Todd McCarthy defended the deal with Staples as details emerged. He said an estimated $900,000 will be saved over the course of the three-year pilot project.
The FAO is not so sure.
In one scenario, FAO said it would have been cheaper to renew contracts with the original operators. It will cost $10.9 million — which is cheaper than the Staples deal.
But in another scenario, the province had a deal with the original operators but pushed for extended hours and more health card services. It can cost $12.9 million, which is very expensive.
Reporters will have an opportunity to ask FAO questions about these scenarios later on Wednesday.
