Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his comments.
Before I get to my question, I just want to point out that I personally have had a very positive relationship with Canada Post workers in my lifetime, whether it was with delivery to my constituency office where Dean delivers the mail with a smile every day, or to my home where Cathy has delivered mail for over 20 years. I have a very positive relationship and I respect the professionalism and the work they do.
However, over the last number of days we have had dozens, if not hundreds, of emails written to this place by our constituents and constituents of members across the way, pointing out the negative impact that this ongoing work stoppage is having on our economy. I just received another one from my riding. It says:
We currently have hundreds if not over a thousand shipments either stalled with Canada Post or are unable to ship.
A secondary issue is receiving payments, sending invoices and payments. These are problematic, but obviously not as crucial.
He goes on to ask us to move quickly to bring this work stoppage to a halt.
Small businesses are at risk. Seniors are at risk. Charitable groups who do such good work for us are at risk. How much longer will the New Democratic Party cause these groups to suffer?