I too want to thank the group for allowing not just myself but all of us the opportunity to speak about Canada Post. I too very much appreciate the work and the service that Canada Post has provided to our community. I am looking forward to hearing about new changes, and what everyone is doing right now. It's great to see that words like innovation are being used.
I come to the table during this session because I work in the field of disabilities. I am the executive director of KW Habilitation, which is a large service provider for adults and children in our community who have disabilities. I am also very involved at the provincial level in the developmental services sector. I think I can bring some perspective from my own community, but I also know that it is very consistent with that across the province of Ontario.
When it comes to people with an intellectual disability and Canada Post—I asked the question to some of the people we support—right away, they automatically think of Christmas cards and birthday cards, because they are probably the most important thing in many of their lives. What is interesting, though, is that technology has also come to our world. Skyping and using the computer has also been pretty major, so it's not as relevant, it seems, today.
The other part that is very important is, of course, the ODSP, but now, cheques are being deposited right into their bank accounts, so there is not a worry in terms of timing. The idea of every other day delivery was not something that people felt was a huge concern.
Community mailboxes can be a concern, particularly in inclement weather. Many people cannot manoeuvre the key. It can also be a problem if the area has not been cleared in the wintertime. It is an accessibility issue.
We are in favour of the community hub idea, whether it be through a franchisee or Canada Post. It becomes a part of the community when people can come in and talk to each other. We look at that as a community socializing piece too, for people just to talk to people instead of always being on a computer. That human touch is of course very welcoming in our field.
Many of the citizens we support also have physical disabilities and so, again, the accessibility issue becomes relevant.
We still find it is important for people to get out of their houses. Whether it be delivery to their door or somewhere they can go, as long as it is easily accessible, that definitely is a top priority.
I echo some of the comments that have already been made by my two colleagues who were here, in particular around the banking piece. Even as a private citizen I have concerns. If you're going to get into the business, please make it so that it is more affordable for every Canadian. We do know what is happening out there, and for people with disabilities it is even harder. As a private citizen I feel it too.
Thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to be here today. If there are any specific questions I can answer, I'll be glad to do so.