December 2, 2004

(Letter sent to the Kelowna Daily Courier)

Dear Editor:

I would like to set the record straight and respond to J. Hertling's December 2nd letter, "Rates, rules change at Canada Post."

Canada Post has not refused to deliver more than 5,000 Christmas parcels mailed to Canadian relatives from families in Great Britain. Mail coming into Canada requires clearance by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) before Canada Post can actually deliver it.

In January an agreement was reached between the Universal Postal Union and the World Customs organization stating that all items mailed to international destinations must feature the sender's complete name and address. As a result of this directive, on June 25th, the Canada Border Services Agency began exercising increased vigilance regarding acceptance into Canada of all categories of mail without a sender's full name and address.

Unfortunately, news media coverage is portraying this situation as a Canada Post initiative, when in fact the decision to implement the regulation and its application lies with the Canada Border Services Agency.

Although the sender name is best on the item in a location consistent with the Universal Postal Union addressing standards, items with the sender name in other locations will be accepted for entry into Canada if the information is discernable. J. Hertling might want to check with the Canada Border Services Agency to see why the parcels in question were returned.

Sincerely,

John Caines
Manager, National Media Relations
Ottawa (613) 734-7675