PEMBROKE, ONTARIO — Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MP Cheryl Gallant  welcomed the recent  announcement by the Government of Canada that it will conduct a strategic review of the Canada Post Corporation that will be guided by established terms of reference.

"We are conducting a strategic review of Canada Post to make sure this public institution has the right tools and means to fulfil its mandate in the future," said MP Cheryl Gallant. "This review is being conducted with the full understanding that Canada Post will remain a Crown corporation. In the changing business context and with new challenges ahead, we want to act now to make sure it continues to fulfil its mandate: delivering essential, universal services every day to Canadians, while remaining financially self-sustaining."

The review will focus on four major areas: market and competition; public policy objectives and responsibilities; commercial activities; and financial and performance targets. A review of Canada Post has not been conducted since 1995.

The review will be led by an external, independent advisory panel composed of three members. The report and recommendations, are due in December 2008.

“I encourage residents to assist in this review by either making a written submission, or contacting me directly with your views. Either way, I will make sure your concerns are heard by the panel,” said MP Gallant.

The panel will be guided by the following four principles:

• Canada Post will not be privatized and will remain a Crown corporation;
• Canada Post must maintain a universal, effective and economically viable postal service;
• Canada Post will continue to act as an instrument of public policy through the provision of postal services to Canadians; and
• Canada Post will continue to operate in a commercial environment and is expected to attain a realistic rate of return on equity.
• "The review will be conducted with all Canadians in mind," said Cheryl Gallant, MP. "The advisory panel will consult with interested parties, including key stakeholders such as the unions. The Government of Canada wants a modern Canada Post for the future. We value the work of its dedicated workforce of over 70,000 employees."