The Conservative government has re‑introduced legislation which will amend the exclusive privilege of Canada Post Corporation and legalize the activities of remailers who have been illegally transporting letters from Canada to the USA for processing.

One Recommendation Out of Sixty

On May 7, 2009, representatives of CUPW met with Robert Merrifield, Minister Responsible for Canada Post.  At that time, he told us that the government intended to take time to review the report and engage in consultations before it comments on the recommendations of the report of the Canada Post Corporation Strategic Review (CPCSR). Instead he has acted unilaterally to introduce legislation to legalize the activities of the remailers.  We have written to Minister Merrifield asking to know why the government has acted only on this one recommendation, out of sixty, which was never explained in the CPCSR report.

Focus on Services to Public Not Gifts to Corporations

The federal government should focus its energies on improving services to the public rather than rewarding these international remailer companies for their illegal behavior. We think the government must act on the proposal for a Service Charter defining standards for delivery, retail services, rural services, pricing and the exclusive privilege. CUPW supports this recommendation, so long as there is adequate public consultation on the standards and they guarantee a high level of service to the public.

Moratorium in Jeopardy

But we must act now on the recommendations concerning Rural Service. The CPCSR recommended to allow Canada Post to replace public post offices with private outlets and establishing a new definition of rural.  CUPW is strongly opposed to any change in the moratorium as it would lead to a significant reduction in the quality of rural postal services and the elimination of many jobs.

Our Petition: Sign Up For Services

The CUPW has produced a petition opposing any changes to the moratorium and the legalization of the remailers.  It also supports improvement and expansion of postal services to the public.  Please make copies of the petition from the Website (cupw.ca/petitions -- petition_june2009_en.pdf), and have it signed by your co‑workers, friends, family and people in your community.

Let the government know where you stand.