Government Operations committee  From what I understand—I don't know this personally, but this is what I hear from the business people—they don't offer identical services when it comes to the shipping and receiving of goods. I may be misled on that, but this is my understanding. Another thing they don't like is to have to be in a retail outlet where they often have to stand in line.

Government Operations committee  Thank you.

Government Operations committee  The timing of that question is very poor, because today we have a very poor economy. We have a provincial government that has some new programs in place that are challenging to businesses, particularly small businesses, and very costly. To add another cost to their ability to create a profit out of their business is pretty scary.

Government Operations committee  I wish I had the opportunity to ask that question to my members, particularly today when you see so much electronic-goods transfer. People are ordering online and they're receiving their goods by mail, by Canada Post often. Also, people are ordering online from businesses located within our community, so they have to now ship the goods out.

Government Operations committee  Yes, exactly.

Government Operations committee  I think it's an amazing opportunity for Canada Post. What I think you need to be doing is probably expanding the mandate of what you're doing right now, and speak directly with entrepreneurs who operate small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the larger enterprises, and really do some serious brainstorming on innovation and how this can work as a profit centre for Canada Post, because it is an opportunity.

Government Operations committee  Sure. That was when the discussion was whether or not the post office was going to close. It was relative to how, if the post office closed, these business people would have to seek private companies to fulfill the activities Canada Post was providing.

Government Operations committee  I don't think so. I think that was really directed at that one discussion, which was the closing of the post office. We have business parks and things. Those guys drive downtown to the post office all the time, and so for them.... It was pretty surprising to me how big a deal it was to the business people.

Government Operations committee  It offers them another option. I'm more interested in looking at it from the perspective of Canada Post. Here you are looking for new and innovative ways to increase your revenues, so that you can continue to offer the kinds of services that perhaps are not the big revenue generators.

Government Operations committee  I wouldn't worry about that. If that's your business, then that's your business, honestly.

Government Operations committee  From what I understand, just from hearing you speak here today, postal banking is more than payday loans.

Government Operations committee  Okay. You have a whole different game going on. I think that the public wouldn't feel any different from having the other bank come and knock on their doors to collect their money.

Government Operations committee  I am sure that they don't see it as a cold and impersonal organization. I'm also not sure that they see it as a national symbol. I think Canada Post has always been here, so a lot of people probably don't even think about it or question it until something causes them to do that.

Government Operations committee  I kind of feel the same. I think that the services provided by Canada Post are valued because they work. Yes. I just don't know of anything that you could add to it that would enhance what you're doing. When it comes to the pain points, let's say, or what you inquired about, when I found out about this potential post office closure, it was a big surprise.

Government Operations committee  Good Morning. I'm please to be here. I'm very pleased to welcome you to Edmonton and to thank you for the work you're dong. I think it's very important. I'm Lynda Moffat. I'm here today speaking as the president and CEO of the St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce. For any of you who don't know, St.