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Page 16, News, Wednesday, June 15, 1988 Keeping our commitment in rural Canada Canada's rural communities are vital to Canada Post. In fact, one of the most important parts of our commitment is making postal products and services more accessible to rural Canadians. To help us do this, we plan to use the resources and the expertise of the private sector. Where - practical, we are approaching local business people in communities across the country offering them the opportunity to provide you with postal products and services through their businesses. Asa result, you will be able to buy postal products or services in attractive locations at convenient hours, often including evenings and weekends. Certain groups see our changes as an erosion of postal ser- Simply stated, by using retail merchants to sell stamps and vices in rural communities such as yours. Nothing could be other postal products and services, Canada Post can concen- further from the truth. By allowing local merchants to operate trate on what it does best: picking-up, processing and deliver- retail postal outlets, postal services as a whole will be more ing the mail in a cost-effective way that benefits all Canadians, accessible -- and more efficient -- than ever before. In the long rural and urban alike. '. run it will help us keep postal rates reasonable and leave the way clear for Canada Post to preserve their presence in rural Canada. -- Nothing to lose -- -- Everything to gain - Consultation for a start, we will engage in at least a More outlets the objective is to increase the number of 90-day consultation period involving all of our customers in rural locations where you can access postal products or ser- your community, including your municipal authorities. vices from 5,000 to 7,000 and nationally by a third to 18,000. Jobs Changes are being made when natural opportunities More convenience reuail postal outlets will be conve- occur, such as when a postmaster resigns, retires or is pro- niently located in a business close to other services in your moted. No postmaster has lost a job as a result of this program. community. Longer business hours will give you even more Identity The postal identity and name of your community flexibility ; will be preserved intact on signage and for addressing More business for local merchants purposes. Opportunities for local merchants to provide postal products Security Retail outlets will be bowad by contract to maintain or services will strengthen the community's business base. the same security and sanctity of mail standards as Canada Post. More efficient S€rvice By utilizing local merchants' Commitment, service More and more, retail postal retail experience, Canada Post will be able to concentrate on outlets will be operated by local business people who already reliable pick-up, processing and delivery of mail to Canadians. have strong roots in your community and share with you the same interest in maintaining high postal standards, and where possible, improving them. Local delivery service will be maintained. Canada Post is in rural Canada to stay. That a promise. CANADA POST CORPORATION Our commitment: better service for you.