MPs vote to restore rural mail service
Last Updated: Thursday, October 26, 2006 | 5:54 PM AT
CBC News
The House of Commons voted on Wednesday to restore mail delivery to rural areas that had been cut off earlier this year after Canada Post expressed concerns about the safety of its drivers.
Instead of picking up mail at the end of their driveways, some rural customers were told they would have to go to post offices or community mailboxes.
Liberal MP Lui Temelkovski introduced a private member's bill that called on the minister responsible for Canada Post to restore traditional delivery practices in rural areas. It passed unanimously.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the reaction of the government and the reaction of Canada Post to the fact that the government has said rural mail delivery will be restored," said New Brunswick Liberal MP Andy Scott.
Avril Vollenhoven, spokeswoman for Canada Post, said the corporation is still obliged to ensure the safety of its drivers. Canada Post will try to restore delivery to rural mailboxes, but she said it won't always be possible.
"In some cases there will be road segments where customers will not be able to relocate their mailboxes safely," she said. "In that case, we will be discussing alternative delivery methods with them."
