October 18, 2005
(Translation of a letter to the editor of Le Droit newspaper)
Dear Sir:
The article entitled Une manifestation marque le 24e anniversaire de Postes Canada (A rally marks Canada Post's 24th anniversary) contains certain inaccuracies that we wish to correct for the benefit of your readers.
First, the article states that closure of the Québec City Letter Processing Plant will result in the transfer or outright loss of 500 jobs. However, it is not 500 jobs that will be transferred or lost but rather 300 positions that will be abolished. A crucial detail was also omitted: not one employee will lose his or her job. We will capitalize on the very high forecast retirement rate to implement this change and thus ensure that all permanent employees keep their job.
You also mistakenly indicate that the plant will close in mid-December when in fact it will close only in two years. Operations will be transferred to Montréal gradually.
Profits earned over the years have been used to improve our network, modernize equipment, invest in new products and services, and upgrade our technology. In the meantime, Canadians have continued to enjoy some of the lowest rates in the industrialized world and Canada Post has been able to pay a dividend to its shareholder, the federal government.
The profits of $147 million reported for 2004 may seem huge, but few people realize that in 2005 alone, Canada Post must add another $100 million to its payroll and allocate $25 to $30 million a year for delivery to some 250,000 new addresses added to our distribution network every year. Moreover, given the large number of employees soon to retire, the company must also make considerable investments to maintain the pension fund on which our retired employees draw their income. As you can see, Canada Post is subject to enormous cost pressures.
I hope these explanations help inform your readers.
François Legault
Manager, National Media Relations
Canada Post (613) 734-8847
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