Liberals feign support for rural post offices -
Closures continue despite government’s claims to institute a ‘moratorium’

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE – Brian Pallister, Opposition Critic for National Revenue and Canada Post and Member of Parliament for Portage-Lisgar, likened today’s announcement by John McCallum, the Minister responsible for Canada Post, to that of a broken record.

“The Liberal Government’s actions with respect to rural post office closures speak louder than their words,” said Pallister. “They’re trying to do damage control with phoney announcements and empty press releases rather than taking action.”

According to the Canadian Postmasters and Assistance Association, the Liberal Government has either closed, or temporarily closed, 28 rural post offices since Paul Martin became prime minister. Fourteen of these offices were closed in the past year – since McCallum’s appointment.

“The Minister talks a good game but his government has shown no ability or interest in addressing the needs of rural Canadians,” continued Pallister. “Post office closures are just another example of this Liberal Government’s consistent neglect of rural Canada.”

McCallum is just the latest in a list of Liberal ministers responsible for Canada Post to express his support for rural post offices. Yet at a time when Canada Post is generating record profits, 48 post offices have been closed in the past few years.

“The Liberal Government continues to target rural post office outlets that they believe don’t generate enough revenue,” said Pallister. “This alleged ‘moratorium’ on closures they’re promising today is just another phoney promise and another example of a Liberal promise made, Liberal promise broken.”

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