September 29, 2005
Québec -- Despite the recent announcement of the closure of the mail sorting plant on Saint-Paul Street, no regular employees will lose their jobs. This was the guarantee given to the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.
Canada Post must adapt to market changes. The decrease in the volume of Lettermail, mainly the result of the expansion of electronic communications, has forced the company to re-examine its operations across the country. Other plants across the country have closed over the years, most notably in Montréal, Toronto and Edmonton. The decision to close the building at 300 Saint-Paul Street within two years will allow for the consolidation of more than 1,100 jobs that will be maintained in the Québec City region, providing economic benefits in the order of $90 million.
The changes announced will be made without any regular employees being laid off, because Canada Post will make these changes at a time when there is an especially high number of employees retiring. Nationally, current forecasts suggest that some 10,000 long-serving Canada Post employees will be eligible to retire in the coming years.
Regarding the future of the building located at 300 St. Paul Street that will become vacant by the end of 2007, Canada Post intends to work with the interested local parties to do what is right for the community. Michel Diotte, Vice-president, Field Operations for Canada Post indicated that because of its strategic location, it offers potential for the region. We therefore plan to listen to the community and ensure the best interests of the public are met.
Canada Post is committed to providing its customers with the same quality service they now receive. As a Crown Corporation, Canada Post is mandated to remain self-sufficient and competitive, and to continuously improve its service to customers without becoming a financial burden for Canadians.
Information:
Hélène Barnard
Manager, Communications
(418) 694-3161
