CUPW Raises Additional Concerns about the Canada Post Review

BY MAIL AND EMAIL

Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement 
11 Laurier Street 
Phase 111, Place du Portage
Gatineau, QC K1A 0S5

Dear Minister Foote:

Re: Additional Concerns about the Canada Post Review

I am writing further to my July 29, 2016 letter to request a response and raise additional concerns about the Canada Post Review.

As you may recall, you promised that all options, other than privatization, would be considered during your review of our public post office. Unfortunately, this is not happening.

The discussion paper that was produced by the Task Force in phase 1 of the review focuses on cuts and rate hikes, as does the online survey that is currently being used by the Standing Committee on Government Operations in phase 2 of the review.

Quite frankly, we are alarmed by some of the survey questions, including the one on closing postal outlets. This question indicates the Standing Committee is seriously considering the Task Force’s suggestion that Canada Post be allowed to close or privatize public post offices, in spite of your assurances that privatization would not be considered.

Additionally, we are shocked that the survey does not ask Canadians for their views on adding new money-making services at Canada Post, such as postal banking. As indicated earlier, you clearly stated that all options would be considered during the Canada Post Review, not just cuts and rate hikes.

In the interest of openness and transparency, CUPW would like to once again request the secret postal banking study that was conducted by Canada Post from 2009 to 2013. We would also like to request the confidential postal banking report that was produced for the Task Force by the global consulting firm of Oliver Wyman. Finally, we would urge you to review these documents, seek out additional information, and take a real look at adding financial and other services at Canada Post.

Yours truly,

Mike Palecek
National President
Canadian Union of Postal Workers

c.c.      

National Executive Committee
Regional Executive Committees
National Union Representatives
Regional Union Representatives
Specialists
Campaign Coordinators
Gianluca Cairo, Chief of Staff, Office of the Honourable Judy M. Foote, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Karine Trudel, MP
Erin Weir, MP
Louis Plamondon, MP
Steven Blaney, MP
Elizabeth May, Green Party Leader