No time to undermine basic infrastructure like Canada Post (This letter was sent to Conservative Members of Parliament)

This letter was sent to Conservative Members of Parliament

I am writing to congratulate you on your election and to wish you well during the current Parliament, which may be one of the most critical Parliaments in recent times. In addition to dealing with a serious economic crisis, you may also deal with the future of an important national institution – our public post office.
 
The Canada Post Corporation Strategic Review (CPCSR) is scheduled to report to your government in December.

As you know, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is concerned that you are hoping to use recommendations from the pending report to partially or fully deregulate our post office. Recent moves  suggest that you are also willing to allow the corporation to move towards privatization through public-private partnerships.
 
All parties within the House of Commons are officially opposed to postal privatization.
 
Not all parties are opposed to postal deregulation but there is overwhelming opposition in the country. In fact, the vast majority of groups that made submissions to the CPCSR opposed deregulation, including at least 600 municipalities and dozens of senior citizen organizations, disability rights groups, rural organizations, unions and citizens groups. (Submissions at: www.cpcstrategicreview.gc.ca)
 
On behalf of CUPW, I would urge you not to introduce legislation or measures that would deregulate or privatize Canada Post in whole or in part. We are hoping you understand the importance of maintaining Canada Post as an important national institution. Our public post office plays a vital role in our economy by providing the stable infrastructure that communities need to thrive and businesses need to grow. Now is not the time to be undermining basic infrastructure like the post office. Like many groups, CUPW believes the federal government should be strengthening and investing in infrastructure, not weakening or selling it.

 
I look forward to discussing these matters with you.

Yours truly,

Denis Lemelin
National President

c.c. All CUPW locals, NEC, REC, National and Regional URs, Specialists