Federal Government Stalling on Promise to Review Plant Closure

CUPW has not been able to get a meeting with Lawrence Cannon, the Minister Responsible for Canada Post, or obtain any information on the government's position on the Quebec City plant closure. A letter from Minister Cannon's office dated April 12, 2006 said that "due to his busy schedule, he will be unable to meet...in the foreseeable future."

As well, national representatives of CUPW have not been able to get a meeting with Josée Verner, the member of Parliament who has the Quebec City plant in her riding, However, CUPW representatives in Quebec City did manage to meet with Minister Verner on March 31, 2006. At this meeting, Minister Verner indicated that Minister Cannon is responsible for Canada Post issues.

CUPW President Deborah Bourque sent a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper to request his help in getting a meeting and a clear response to our inquiries about the government’s intentions in relation to the plant closure in Quebec City. Our letter indicated that union needs a clear sign of the government’s intentions, otherwise we would understand that the Conservative Party will not be reviewing the decision to close the plant. The letter also said that CUPW is available to meet at any time with representatives from government who have decision-making power in connection with a review of the plant closure.