Evidence of meeting #101 for Government Operations and Estimates in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was investigation.
A video is available from Parliament.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kelly McCauley
Going back with the chair, it was you, and you said you withdrew it, but you can't withdraw it without UC and you did not seek the UC, so technically we are on that motion.
I think we can probably settle it really quickly and then get to your Canada Post motion, because I want to get to that today.
NDP
Taylor Bachrach NDP Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
You ruled my motion out of order, Mr. Chair. I think that if you check the record, you said that there was already a motion from Mr. Genuis that is duplicative—
February 5th, 2024 / 12:45 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kelly McCauley
I apologize. We apologize.
You are correct there. I apologize. We crossed lines here. Can I—
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kelly McCauley
Thank you. That's very kind of you.
We do have time. We'll get to that, I promise. Can we agree to hold on for just 30 seconds, please, before we get to that?
Now, are you wanting to talk about Canada Post, Mr. Sousa?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kelly McCauley
Okay. It doesn't look like we will have the 30 seconds.
Why don't we get to Mr. Bachrach's motion? He has the floor and it is in order, but I hope we can get back to decide today about whether we're going to release this just to the MPs, as I suggest or, if you wish it, to a larger audience or the larger email chain.
We're on Mr. Bachrach's motion, Mr. Sousa.
NDP
Taylor Bachrach NDP Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Issues related to postal service fall squarely within the mandate of this committee.
In the region I represent, which is made up of rural and remote communities, there are a lot of concerns about the loss and sustainability of rural postal service, particularly rural post offices. In a recent conversation with Canada Post, I became aware that the financial challenges of the corporation continue to worsen. I expect we'll be hearing from Canada Post at a future meeting, but I am gravely concerned about the future of postal delivery in rural and remote Canada.
This is a lifeline for so many people. People order their medications through the post. Small businesses ship their products through the post. Many seniors who don't have access to technology rely on postal service for communication. Of course, in areas of our country that still lack broadband Internet, postal service is vital for a wide range of government services.
I will move the motion that I put on notice with the change of one word. This came from consultations with the chair—
NDP
Taylor Bachrach NDP Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
Okay. If we're going to be a stickler for procedure now, I will not change any of the words in my motion but rather read it into the record. I move:
That the committee undertake a study on the sustainability of postal service in Canada's rural and remote communities; that a minimum of 12 hours of witness testimony be dedicated to the topic; that the committee invite the CEO of Canada Post, the president of CPAA, and the Minister of Public Services and Procurement; and that the committee produce a report and table it in the House.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kelly McCauley
Thank you.
[Inaudible—Editor] someone who can do the friendly amendment that you just—
NDP
Taylor Bachrach NDP Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
I note, Mr. Chair, based on conversations prior to the meeting, that there are several amendments members would like to make, and I'd be happy to consider those.
I feel this is going to take more than the 10 minutes we have left in the meeting, so hopefully we can consider this at our next public meeting and arrive at a motion that meets the needs of everyone around the table.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kelly McCauley
Perhaps someone can possibly read the friendly amendment you're seeking and include it in your amendment.
NDP
Taylor Bachrach NDP Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
I'd be happy to speak about that.
In our conversation after the last meeting, you raised questions about the word “sustainability”. I know the word “sustainability” means different things to different people. What I'm getting at here is long-term viability in sustaining postal service in rural and remote Canada.
Really, this study is on the loss of postal service. What we've seen over the years, particularly since the moratorium in 1994, I believe—
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kelly McCauley
I will interrupt you there.
We'll try to work that into a new amendment and—
NDP
Taylor Bachrach NDP Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
Sure. What I was going to say is that we've seen a lot of post offices lost despite there being a moratorium on the closure of post offices. I'd like to get to that issue specifically.
Thank you.
Conservative
Liberal
Charles Sousa Liberal Mississauga—Lakeshore, ON
Yes, I would like to add to that amendment, if I may.
Conservative
Kelly Block Conservative Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek, SK
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I will be proposing an amendment to Mr. Bachrach's motion.
I propose that we replace the words “a minimum of 12 hours of witness testimony be dedicated to the topic” with the following: “the committee hold at least two meetings on this topic, starting with the CEO of Canada Post”.
The motion in its entity would read:
That the committee undertake a study on the sustainability of postal service in Canada's rural and remote communities; that the committee hold at least two meetings on this topic, starting with the CEO of Canada Post; that the Committee invite the CEO of Canada Post, the president of CPAA, and the Minister of Public Services and Procurement; and that the committee produce a report and table it in the House.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kelly McCauley
Excellent.
Does someone want to speak on this amendment?
Go ahead, Mrs. Vignola. Then it's you, Mr. Powlowski.