Thank you.
The reform direction is right; execution will matter. NAMMU generally supports the direction outlined by Minister Lightbound, including flexibility in delivery standards, ending moratoriums on community mailbox conversion and rural post office closures, and a faster and more effective process for stamp pricing decisions.
We agree that change is necessary. However, several safeguards are critical. Delivery reliability must remain non-negotiable. Delivering mail depends on items arriving within published timelines tied to sales and campaigns. Community impacts must be considered. Undertake changes with local consultation and sensitivity. Pricing must be predictable and commercially rational. Recent price actions, including reduced incentives and a 25% increase during a labour disruption, have accelerated with the decline of letter mail.
We recommend maintaining checks and balances appropriate to a monopoly, such as pegging rate increases to inflation and restoring meaningful price differentials for business mailers, including postage meter users. These will ensure revenue growth without destabilizing the industry.
In conclusion, Chair and members, NAMMU urges immediate action to end labour uncertainty through binding arbitration, responsible and disciplined reforms that preserve a sustainable national postal system and continued collaboration with industry to support Canadian jobs and economic activity. Canada needs a reliable and competitive Canada Post to support the businesses that power our economy.
Thank you for your invitation to appear today. I'm pleased to answer any questions.