No. H178/06
For release December 13, 2006

Government of Canada Issues Two Directives to Canada Post

OTTAWA — The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced that the Government of Canada has issued two directives to Canada Post.

The first directive requires Canada Post to develop and implement an operational plan to restore and maintain mail delivery to rural roadside mailboxes within the next 18 months. The second directs the corporation 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," said Minister Cannon. "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."

The Government of Canada recognizes that Canada Post has already implemented certain measures to improve the safety of rural and suburban mail carriers (RSMCs) and to ensure continued mail service to affected customers, including equipping RSMCs' vehicles with flashing lights and reflective signage. The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the situation closely as Canada Post strives to ensure that rural residents are provided with safe, efficient and quality rural mail services.

The Government of Canada also recognizes the importance of the Canadian publishing industry to our culture, our economy and to official language communities, and will take the necessary steps to determine the best way to support the Canadian publishing industry in the longer term.

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