Mr. Speaker, I have a couple of comments to make and a question for the member.
I found it interesting that the member reviewed some of the history of Canada Post and its productivity gains. This is very important. It is also very important that the government gave the bargaining process a chance to operate. The Minister of Labour should be congratulated for the patience he extended to all parties to ensure the process had an opportunity.
When I listened to the member it resonated within me that what happened in the past is one issue, but the consequences of what has gone on so far are equally important particularly as they relate to the future of Canada Post.
The Radwanski report certainly made a number of interesting recommendations, but all members will know that Canada Post has lost substantial business to its competitors. Many businesses have now started to rely on private courier services and others. They have entered into long term contractual arrangements which will hurt Canada Post. This will exacerbate the situation it has been dealing with in terms of trying to modernize Canada Post.
Canadians know that businesses are losing $200 million a day as a result of the strike. Canadians and members will know that charities are losing tens of millions of dollars in donations because this is the period of the year in which they do most of their donation collections.
The issue of whether or not Canada Post should be an essential service does not necessarily mean there will be labour peace, but we know Canadians will be raising these questions again. It is extremely important that we stop worrying about what happened in the past and start recognizing the issues of today. The real issues today are that Canada Post will be put under more and more pressure to provide a cost effective service for all Canadians.
The member says that the legislation is offensive to the NDP. He should know the strike is offensive to Canadian businesses that are losing jobs and are cash strapped. They cannot get the cash flow they need. He should also know that the strike is offensive to Canadians who are waiting for communications throughout the Christmas season from their loved ones and families. They do not want CUPW to be the Grinch who stole Christmas from them. They want their Christmas. The member knows that this situation is also offensive to charities. I do not think like the NDP.
The member indicated that he has some experience in labour relations. The minister indicated that the settlement, including the prescribed increases up to February 2000, is in line with current settlements within the public sector in terms of rates.
The legislation lays out the parameters which are consistent with other public sector settlements at this time. Could the member explain why he feels it is inappropriate for the bill to establish the parameters of a three year contract?