1. There should be a “postal contract” between Canada Post and the Federal Government which clarifies the crown corporation’s roles and responsibilities.
2. An independent regulator should be created to ensure compliance with the “postal contract” and provide for arbitration of disputes.
3. Lettermail Rates should rise with actual delivery costs
4. Rate increases should be transparent, timely and predictable
5. Competition should be introduced in magazine delivery
6. Distance- Related Pricing should be put on hold pending the Panel’s report.
The delegation pointed out that the Canadian magazine industry’s very substantial reliance on Canada Post did not happen by accident. Building a reliable ‘Canadian’ distribution system, with Canada Post at its centre, has been federal policy for over 150 years.
Noting the interest in the postal services of other jurisdictions as possible models for the future, the delegation stressed two points that make
Canada is a huge land mass with a dispersed and relatively small population. Few other jurisdictions in the world face the same challenges in moving mail and magazines.
From an industry point of view, our proximity to the
Magazines Canada will certainly welcome learning from the postal experiences of other countries but underlines the need to ensure that
Magazines
The delegation included Terry Sellwood, General Manager, Quarto Communications, publishers of Cottage Life and explore magazines, and Vice Chair, Magazines Canada; François Blondin, Business Manager, Production & Information Technology, Transcontinental Media and Chair, Magazines Canada Postal Committee; Michael Fox, Senior Vice President, Rogers Media Publishing and member of the Magazines Canada Public Affairs Committee; Mark Jamison, CEO, Magazines Canada; and Jim Everson, Executive Director, Public Affairs, Magazines Canada.
For more information, contact Mark Jamison, CEO, Magazines Canada at mjamison@magazinescanada.ca