Government Operations Committee on April 8th, 2024

[Lorenzo Ieraci]

Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

For example, in northern communities, where the temperature can get a little more difficult, we know the battery life can have some challenges.

Again, recognizing that Canada Post has 5,600 locations spread out across Canada and that they serve many different types of communities, I don't necessarily know that a one-size-fits-all approach will work in the way it manages its fleet. It has to be able to target that so that the associated costs would be appropriate and that there would be a potential return on investments.

[Irek Kusmierczyk, Liberal, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

You were before this committee before, when you were the head of the office of small and medium enterprises. I want to ask if the universality principle of Canada Post is, in your opinion, an advantage for small businesses in Canada.

Can it be seen as an advantage to have this network and this service for small businesses in Canada, from your prior role and with your prior perspective?

[Lorenzo Ieraci]

I haven't been with the office of small and medium enterprises for.... It's now called Procurement Assistance Canada. Pardon me. I haven't been with Procurement Assistance Canada for a number of years now.

I think there is an advantage. Small businesses, particularly depending on where they're located, may have options available to them in shipping, and particularly business-to-business shipping, but in some instances, they may be relying on Canada Post. Obviously, having access to Canada Post to be able to move their goods and services.... We heard some examples earlier of how that might not have been working as intended in the past.

Obviously, there is a benefit in terms of universality. Again, as I mentioned, as part of the study, the committee might be interested in taking a look at what Australia has been doing, because it faces challenges with population and geography that are similar to those we face here in Canada.

[Irek Kusmierczyk, Liberal, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Conservative, Kelly McCauley]

Thank you very much.

Gentlemen, thanks for being with us.

I'm glad Mr. Kusmierczyk gave you a chance to mention Procurement Assistance Canada. For anyone watching—the three or four people watching on ParlVU right now—it is a phenomenal program within the Government of Canada. We've used it lots in Edmonton West. I strongly suggest that anyone with a small business who's looking to bid on Canadian business look at their website. I highly recommend it.

Colleagues, just quickly, a a note about Wednesday, you will receive an email from the clerk regarding the Dalian and Coradix translation documents. We will be in camera for about 15 minutes to discuss those. When you get it today, it will be with regard to Wednesday.

If there's nothing else, we are adjourned.