January 17, 2007

(Letter sent to the editor of the Edmonton Journal)

Dear Editor:

I would like to comment on the January 17 opinion piece, "Postage is pricey…," by Calgary resident Claire Rivard.

Ms. Rivard states that the new domestic lettermail rate increase is the third for Canada Post in less than a year. The January 15, 2007 rate increase for lettermail, is the first such increase since January 16, 2006. Canadians continue to enjoy domestic basic lettermail rates that are among the lowest in the world despite the country's climate and vast geography.

Canada Post is committed to customer service. The effect of the rate increase will be offset this year by the introduction of Canada Post's new PERMANENT™ stamp, which will always be worth the going rate. By using the Permanent stamp, Canadians no longer need to add a one-cent stamp to basic lettermail to cover the cost of the increase. Furthermore, since 2007 is a transition year, Canada Post will accept 51¢ stamps as full payment for basic lettermail throughout the year.

Contrary to Ms. Rivard's understanding, sending a 1 kg package within Canada costs less than sending the same parcel to Canada from the U.K. ($11.20 within Canada compared to $22.36 from the U.K. to Canada). Within the G7 group of industrialized nations, Canada is consistently among the least expensive countries.

Consumers making purchases on eBay from Canada or the US are still required to pay shipping fees, no matter where the item comes from.

Nicole Lemire
Manager, Marketing Public Relations
Canada Post - Postes Canada
N0890 - 2701 PROM RIVERSIDE DR
OTTAWA ON K1A 0B1
nicole.lemire@canadapost.ca