Canada Post told to restore rural service, keep magazine subsidy
Last Updated: Thursday, December 14, 2006 | 2:27 PM ET
The Canadian Press
The Conservative government is ordering Canada Post to protect rural mail delivery and maintain a fund that subsidizes postage for Canadian magazines.
Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon announced Wednesday he has directed the Crown corporation to implement a plan to restore and maintain mail delivery to rural roadside mailboxes within 18 months.
He has also told Canada Post to continue funding the Publications Assistance Program for up to two more years.
"I expect that Canada Post will do its utmost to restore and maintain mail delivery to rural roadside mailboxes while taking into consideration the health and safety of their employees, and respecting all applicable laws," Cannon said in a news release.
"I also expect that the corporation will continue to provide funding in support of the Publications Assistance Program while Canadian Heritage determines the best way to support the Canadian publishing industry in the years to come."
More than 50,000 rural homes across Canada have lost direct mail delivery because of the safety concerns of mail carriers.
The risks relate to traffic safety and ergonomics as letter carriers are forced to reach and lean to deposit mail into rural boxes.
Canada Post is conducting a safety review of about 800,000 rural mail boxes and critics worry more Canadians will lose service when it’s complete.
Cannon said the government recognizes Canada Post has already implemented measures to improve safety and ensure continued mail service to customers.
