LETTER

Postal banking, and more

 

The government is now conducting a public review of Canada Post, and we need people to speak up for what we'd like from a universal postal service. It seems logical that a service that extends the length and breadth of Canada could be so much more to our communities. With the largest retail and logistics network in the country, that we all own a piece of something greater could be imagined.

Consider postal banking; Canada’s big banks took in $35 billion in profits last year — while cutting jobs and raising service fees at the same time. Many communities across Canada have post offices, but no bank branches. A postal bank is an affordable, local solution that can also invest in the community. It is a model that works in dozens of countries around the world, including New Zealand, France and Italy, so there’s no reason why it can't work here, too.

I can also envision small post offices being renewable energy hubs for their communities; charging car batteries and running their services with micro installations. A post office could be the hub for all things green - a farmers’ market, a bike share and repair depot.

We have far to go to meet the Paris climate commitments. We have to think creatively and use the systems in place that could accelerate our movement towards our targets.

Karen Hawley
Kanata