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Victoria MP hosting forum on postal service cuts

Unhappy with level of consultation on service reductions, Murray Rankin wants to hear from Victoria residents on matter

A public meeting is planned for Monday afternoon in James Bay to discuss options in the wake of Canada Post's announced proposal to end home delivery in urban centres.

Organized by Victoria MP Murray Rankin (NDP), the discussion will be moderated by Victoria-Swan Lake MLA Rob Fleming. Speakers include Victoria Coun. Marianne Alto, Canadian Union of Postal Workers (Local 850) president Janet Barney, Phil Crowson from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, and Mike Hanson, executive director of the Victoria Disability Resource Centre.

“Hundreds of people have contacted my office to express their serious concerns about these short-sighted service cuts,” Rankin said in a release. “Unfortunately, Canada Post’s consultations were only conducted by Internet, effectively eliminating any opportunity for input from the people who will be most affected.  That is why I decided to hold this public meeting.”

Canada Post announced last month its plans to eventually eliminate home delivery and install community superboxes in neighbourhoods, as a way to reduce its financial losses. While that plan has yet to be approved in parliament, the corporation does plan to increase the cost of stamps early this year.

The meeting starts at 2 p.m. at James Bay New Horizons, 234 Menzies St.

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