Finance committee  Oui, c'est cela. It's been legal in the United States for many years. I'm not sure if it's throughout the European Union, but it is predominant in the European Union. Many of the remail companies operating in Canada are in fact offshoots of European postal administrations.

Finance committee  Many companies have been doing this. Canada Post has taken legal proceedings in the past to protect its exclusive privilege. There is currently a stay on an injunction. It has allowed companies in the remail business to continue their operations. That stay has been extended a c

Finance committee  The amendment will clarify the legal status of the industry that has been operating for many years. It will protect jobs in the industry. It will give Canadian business the opportunity to choose amongst providers for international mail service. Canada Post will still be allowed t

Finance committee  Canada Post did that estimate.

Finance committee  Excuse me: millions of employees... Thousands.

Finance committee  I don't really think I'm in a position to answer your question. I'm sorry.

Finance committee  Yes, that's true.

Finance committee  Oui; on dit “outbound international mail”.

Finance committee  Canada Post does make a profit.

Finance committee  My interpretation of Canada Post's estimation is that this is a revenue risk. If the legislative change is made, they could lose—could lose—between $40 million and $80 million, but they will be continuing to compete with the remail industry in Canada.

Finance committee  Excuse me?

Finance committee  That question would really have to be put to the people at Canada Post. I can say, however, that...

Finance committee  Yes, there are. Certainly Canada Post has been aware of the government's intention to change this provision. It was first introduced in Bill C-14 in 2007. Canada Post has been producing corporate plans that have been approved by the Governor in Council since then, so I would say

Finance committee  I can't answer that question exactly. I can give figures for the 2009 financial statement, but I don't have the annual report recently tabled in Parliament with me.

Finance committee  Yes. Canada Post has said there was a risk of revenue loss, as I explained to Mr. McKay.