Ladies and gentlemen, we'll begin. It's 10 a.m.
Welcome to our panellists. Thank you very much for being here.
As you know, the minister responsible for Canada Post, the Hon. Judy Foote, has initiated a very extensive consultation process dealing with the future of Canada Post. There are two phases. Phase one was the establishment of a task force whose mandate was to examine the financial viability and sustainability of Canada Post. The task force has completed their work. They've submitted their report. We've actually had a chance to interview and question the task force.
This is phase two, and that's why you're here today. Phase two is a cross-country tour, talking with Canadians, organizations, and municipalities about their views on the future of Canada Post. More importantly, we hope to get suggestions from you as to what you see Canada Post's future to be and how it can perhaps continue on in the vein we've seen for the last century.
The process here is very simple. We're going to ask each of you to give a quick opening statement. When I say “quick”, I mean five minutes or less. That will be followed by a series of questions and answers from all our committee members.
With that brief introduction, we'll now go to my list, which has, first, Mr. Lambrecht. The floor is yours, sir, for five minutes or less.