Government Operations committee  Some of them are private, but they're all run by the postal administrations in those countries and they're all making money. They all have successful banks as well, so there's room there.

Government Operations committee  I saw a report from Blacklock's this past week that said that Canada Post reported that it cost them about $210 million. We're not sure if that's the total cost or not. There are additional costs that have been downloaded to municipalities, because municipalities are now responsible for the clearing of the boxes and the lighting and some health and safety aspects.

Government Operations committee  Even without postal banking, you'll see banks that have folded up and closed branches right across the country. Many of these communities do not have a bank. Look at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives study on postal banking in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Government Operations committee  I think the Canadian public would bear almost the full impact of that. Besides workers losing their jobs, I think the services that we provide to Canadians are invaluable right across the country, and if the corporation ever failed, it would be devastating for all Canadians. Canada Post has been a successful crown corporation, probably one of the most successful crown corporations in Canada.

Government Operations committee  Thank you. Good morning. On behalf of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, I'm grateful for the opportunity to appear before the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates. My name is Jeff Callaghan. I'm currently the national director for Atlantic Canada of the Canadian Postal Workers, a position I've held since 2008.