Changes at Canada Post get stamp of disapproval

Re: CEO won’t budge on price hike, delivery cuts; Chopra says ‘ difficult choices’ had to be made to keep ailing corporation self- sufficient, Dec. 18

The recent announcement eliminating door- to- door delivery for urban residents and postal rate increases by Canada Post President and CEO Deepak Chopra repeatedly point out it was a Conference Board of Canada recommendation ( a private research organization of which Chopra is a member).

Chopra claims 66 per cent of Canadians get mail at community mailboxes. Only 25 per cent do, while 33 per cent get door- to- door, 25 per cent by apartment lobby mailboxes, 12 per cent general delivery and five per cent at rural mailboxes ( 2012 Canada Post report).

At a special emergency meeting of the transport committee, when questioned by MPs how the elderly will be especially hard hit by the loss of home delivery, Chopra had the audacity to state that seniors have told the corporation they want more exercise and fresh air offered by community mailboxes.

Chopra was placed as CEO of Canada Post by Stephen Harper and draws a salary between $ 440,900 and $ 518,600 with a “guesstimated” bonus of 33 per cent. Apart from Chopra there are 22 presidents and vice- presidents, each waiting for bloated handouts. This small group of top management account for $ 10 million in salaries — not to mention perks and bonuses. Many of the 22, along with Chopra, were placed by Harper as a favour to his Conservative buddies who failed to get elected in their ridings. Nepotism is alive and flourishing under the Harper government. JOYCE NEUFELD Waldeck, Sask.