Instead of looking for ways to modernize operations, Canada Post and the Conservatives are taking an axe to long-treasured postal services – killing good jobs, eliminating home delivery, cutting rural post office hours and drastically increasing postage rates.
“In case Stephen Harper’s priorities are still a mystery to anyone, this spells them out loud and clear. Apparently he can find millions of dollars to keep his well-connected friends in the Senate but he can’t find a way to keep mail coming to your door,” said Jinny Sims (Newton-North Delta), NDP Employment and Social Development critic. “These cuts are short-sighted service cuts and will most impact on seniors and persons with disabilities.”
6,000 to 8,000 workers will lose their jobs and five million households will lose home delivery over the next five years. Worse yet, Canada Post’s consultations were only done by Internet, effectively eliminating any opportunity for input from the people who will be most affected.
“Cutting services, driving away customers and raising costs is no way to save a business,” said Sims. “Both of my office phone lines have been ringing non-stop since the announcement this morning. Locally, people are upset. I want my constituents to know that I hear their concerns, and I plan to make a lot of noise in Parliament about this. Our community deserves better — all Canadians do.”
