Evidence of meeting #25 for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was post.
A recording is available from Parliament.
4:40 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Merv Tweed
Thank you very much.
I'm going to exercise my right now to ask a question before I let you go.
4:40 p.m.
Some hon. members
Oh, oh!
4:40 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Merv Tweed
Obviously I would be remiss if I didn't bring forward my library bill with Canada Post. I just wonder if you have an opinion or a thought as to whether it is a good thing. Is it suitable to Canada Post? Is there anything else that could be done to enhance it? It's receiving a lot of support.
4:40 p.m.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Canada Post Corporation
Yes, I know. It is very important to many libraries out there. It is for this reason that we extended the original 2005 rate for several years. I understand the importance of it, Mr. Tweed, but it's also important that Canada Post adhere to our legislation. Our legislation says that we must be financially self-sustaining as well as deliver service.
Right now on the library book rate, I think we're probably short by $6 million, so at a certain point.... I understand the importance of the government as our shareholder in maintaining this sort of break for the libraries across the country, but perhaps, Mr. Tweed, you would work with your colleagues to get us the compensation practice that we were supposed to have for that when Canada Post was set up.
4:40 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Merv Tweed
Well, that's a good point, and I've always said there has to be a fairness, but it has to be on both sides.
4:40 p.m.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Canada Post Corporation
Thank you. We appreciated the opportunity.
4:40 p.m.
Liberal
Joe Volpe Liberal Eglinton—Lawrence, ON
This is really for you, Mr. Chairman. I just wonder whether you can pursue the following and then report back to the committee: number one, why the management at CPC asked the government of the day to exempt it from the Federal Accountability Act; and number two, whether the chairman of CPC actually advised the minister on this contract, given its size.
4:40 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Merv Tweed
You're asking me, as the chair, if I would advance that issue?
Mr. Jean.
4:40 p.m.
Conservative
Brian Jean Conservative Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB
I've listened with great interest in relation to questions from Mr. Volpe and his colleagues on that side of the House, but let's be clear. This is a corporation that operates at arm's length from the government for a specific purpose, and that is so the government does not get involved in the day-to-day operations of the corporation, so they do it in the best interests of and use best practices for their shareholders, who are the people of Canada. I think today is a perfect example of that practice working well.
I don't see what benefit there is in the minister getting involved in day-to-day operations and whether or not he was actually advised of those day-to-day operations. I think it's totally out of order.
4:40 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Merv Tweed
Thank you.
I thank you for attending, and we look forward to future meetings with you.
We do have a subcommittee meeting going ahead immediately, so I would ask anyone who's sticking around...we have to move you out because we're going in camera.
We're adjourned for two minutes.
[Proceedings continue in camera]