Mr. Speaker, this week a delegation of postal franchisees is in Ottawa to fight for survival.
The minister guaranteed us that there would be no losses due to Canada Post's reduction in stamp commissions. The fact is that one week after implementation 30 postal outlets have notified Canada Post of their closure. It is only the beginning. The franchises predict that 100% of urban postal outlets will be closed by August 1999.
Yesterday the minister turned down a request to meet with the franchisees directly. Is it because he knows they are right? Is it because it is difficult to look into the faces of those who are losing their livelihood?
The minister may be able to hide in his office now, but in the new year he will have to justify to hundreds of franchisees and millions of Canadians why he allowed Canada Post to systematically destroy the postal network across this country.