Certainly, that's part of the transformation we want for Canada Post Corporation, but it also fits within a broader effort to reduce red tape and the administrative burden.
With regard to Canada Post specifically, it was also one of Commissioner Kaplan's recommendations to ensure Canada Post had a way to increase the price of stamps in keeping with the cost of inflation and delivery costs. This recommendation had, and continues to have, support from unions.
To answer your question, Ms. Rochefort, I would say that right now, the process is such that it has to be published in the Canada Gazette. It must go through the Governor in Council, thus through the cabinet. The process can take three to four months, which is lengthy and time-consuming, and it originates from the wrong side, meaning from the political side. With the current proposal, it would come from Canada Post, which would recommend an increase based on operational needs. It will be presented in its corporate plan and then approved by Treasury Board, but the process will be quicker and start from the right place, at the Canada Post Corporation.
To give you an idea, I would point out that between 2018 and 2023, the price of stamps in Canada increased 7%, while in other comparable jurisdictions, it went up by roughly 55%. This flexibility and agility to increase postage rates based on inflation was not available in Canada. That's what we want to change and improve with Canada Post while ensuring accountability in two ways. First, as I just said, it's going to be in Canada Post's corporate plan and it will be approved by Treasury Board. Second, as minister, I send Canada Post a letter of intent annually so the corporation can align with our priorities. In that letter, I can give Canada Post instructions on our expectations on the price of stamps.