Mr. Chairman, I want to say a few words on this particular amendment.
I want to acknowledge the words of my friend, the minister responsible for Canada Post. He says this is really a clarification and what we are asking for is a clarification that the fundamental purpose and the fundamental role of Canada Post is to serve Canadians by providing first class mail service, not as a cash cow to the federal government. The point is not to make money on this operation to assist the government in one way or another.
Of course we support that principle and acknowledge the work done by the members of the Bloc and by the members of the New Democratic Party working with the government and the minister, and acknowledge the fact that he saw the appropriateness of this amendment. We appreciate that co-operation in order to make this legislation more palatable to all involved.
We cannot overemphasize the fact that the post office is here to serve Canadians. It is not here to make money. If we trace the fundamental problem that our post office faces, we will find that it goes back to the Mulroney era when this principle was introduced and the mandate went out to make money through Canada Post. Ever since that mandate was initiated some of the major problems began, and I know my friend the minister would nod in approval.
I would like to think that through this important amendment to this crucial piece of legislation we will perhaps see a rethinking of some of the priorities when it comes to service and profit.