That's bang on.
Evidence of meeting #49 for Government Operations and Estimates in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was community.
Evidence of meeting #49 for Government Operations and Estimates in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was community.
2:55 p.m.
Conservative
2:55 p.m.
Liberal
Yasmin Ratansi Liberal Don Valley East, ON
As we were telling you, we're here to get ideas and you are an under-serviced community and there is so much that can happen....
Did you say that the post office operates out of the band building somewhere?
3 p.m.
Development Corporation, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
They will when we move them into the grocery store.
3 p.m.
Liberal
Yasmin Ratansi Liberal Don Valley East, ON
At the moment, the set-up is reflective of what Canada Post requires...its symbols, whatever. How is the post office set up? Does it have all the symbolism of Canada Post there?
3 p.m.
Liberal
Yasmin Ratansi Liberal Don Valley East, ON
When you move to the grocery store, which is owned by the band as well, you are making an assumption that the hours will expand, but the postmaster is paid by Canada Post and she is probably paid for a number of hours. What makes you think that Canada Post will extend those hours? Have you had any negotiations with them to say, “we're moving from this office, which is owned by us anyway, to this office and all the paraphernalia that Canada Post requires is going to be there?"
3 p.m.
Development Corporation, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
Bernie, who I believe Olive answers to at Canada Post, has been out here several times to look at the location and has given his blessing on the location. We've gone through him to set up the specs for the build. Keep in mind, Brokenhead is paying the construction bill for Canada Post to go in there. What Olive receives right now is approximately $91 a month to pay her overhead, which is hydro and telephone, from Canada Post plus her wage.
3 p.m.
Liberal
Yasmin Ratansi Liberal Don Valley East, ON
She's given a wage based on 9 to 12. What makes you think because you're going to move her—this is an assumption you are making—to the grocery store where the grocery store is open, there are more facilities, there is Internet...has Bernie agreed that she will have extended hours?
3 p.m.
Development Corporation, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
Bernie has not agreed to that as of yet although I believe the door is open to consider something more, but we do not have a confirmed commitment from Canada Post to pay Olive more at this time.
3 p.m.
Development Corporation, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
Canada Post pays for Olive.
3 p.m.
Liberal
Yasmin Ratansi Liberal Don Valley East, ON
If the band were to come with an agreement with Canada Post because you would like extended hours, would you be willing to chip in anything to keep the post office open seven days a week?
3 p.m.
Development Corporation, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
Is Canada Post going to give me a cut on the stamps that we sell?
3 p.m.
Liberal
Yasmin Ratansi Liberal Don Valley East, ON
Well probably. As a postmaster, you are in negotiations. Do you think Canada Post is shooting itself in its foot when it's not extending the hours and the opportunities to serve in such remote areas where it has the network?
3 p.m.
Development Corporation, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
I would think that they would realize that they're missing an opportunity now with the new location and the traffic and such, because now with the new location, we're not just servicing the people who have mailboxes. We could be servicing the people who are travelling in front of the grocery store along the highway.
3 p.m.
Liberal
Yasmin Ratansi Liberal Don Valley East, ON
Have you ever asked for a facilitated session with Canada Post? You could say to Canada Post, “Here is what our requirement is, here is where opportunities exist, and here's what we would like you to do." Have you had the conversation with anybody except Olive or Bernie?
3 p.m.
Liberal
