Mr. Speaker, two years ago Canada Post proposed that every resident living in rural New Brunswick change their address. They argued that general delivery had to go and what everyone needed was a unique number and street address.
They sold this idea by promising that the province would implement a 911 emergency system in rural areas, so everyone agreed.
Now two years later we are learning the truth. This new addressing is being paid for by Canada Post customers. Canada Post is telling its customers that if they want to receive mail they must first pay a $34 change of address fee. Businesses and non-profit organizations such as the Volunteer Family Services Food Bank must pay an exorbitant $150 fee because Canada Post unilaterally changed their address.
This is outrageous. It is also wrong to ask seniors on a fixed income to pay this fee.
I call on the minister to extend the waiver period on these fees until rural customers have time to notify everyone of their new address.