OTTAWA – Members of Parliament began debate Tuesday on a motion that asks Canada Post to halt its plan to phase out door-to-door mail delivery.
The NDP put forward the non-bonding motion, and its author Olivia Chow said she can’t understand why the government is allowing Canada Post to follow through on its plan.
“It hurts ordinary Canadians and it also hurts our economy, and it damages small and medium-sized businesses,” Chow said.
She adds many vulnerable Canadians like the elderly rely on these services.
The Liberals claim the Conservative plan to phase out door-to-door delivery is part of a long-term government plan to privatize Canada Post.
Transport Minister Lisa Raitt argues the company is losing money and these changes are necessary.
“The status quo is not an option and that’s why Canada Post has no choice but to find more effective ways to provide its mandatory services while reduce its costs,” Raitt said.
A vote on the motion is expected on Tuesday evening.
In December, Canada Post announced sweeping changes to try to save money, including plans to discontinue door-to-door mail delivery across urban centres within the next five years,and replacing foot delivery with community mail boxes.
The five-point plan also calls for raising stamp prices and the elimination of up to 8,000 jobs.
Around a third of Canadian homes will still receive mail to their door, the postal agency said.