MONDAY JANUARY 16, 2006

INTERNATIONAL MAIL – CANADA POST EXCLUSIVE PRIVILEGE
The lack of clarity still surrounding this important ruling will drive the agenda for an industry information session in February. Some members report they have managed to obtain written approval of their cross-border and global activities from their Canada Post representatives, others have a variety of questions about their business activities in which they have been engaged for years. NAMMU emphasized the need to communicate clearly and openly about the precise nature of the protected business, and the 2005 Information Session brought forward many issues and misunderstandings, some of which still linger. With the legal ruling now upheld, it is time to provide a comprehensive, cohesive look at the meaning of the ruling, and in practical fact how it is/will be applied. Meeting notification will be sent out shortly to members.

USPS TRADEMARK DENIED
The Canadian Federal Court tossed out a bid by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to trademark such common terms as “first class mail” in Canada. Canada Post reportedly asked for a judicial review after the registrar of trademarks allowed the USPS to adopt 13 terms for use in Canada, including: “priority mail”, “first class mail”, and “signature confirmation”, as well as the USPS eagle design logo.

QUEBEC CITY MUNICIPAL AMALGAMATION
On 16 January 2006, Québec City will harmonize street names throughout its territory to eliminate duplication. This operation involves changes to street names (587), civic numbers (3,000) and postal codes (1,600). At the same time, the name Québec will become official throughout the amalgamated territory. The names of former areas such as Beauport, Cap-Rouge, Charlesbourg, Lac-Saint-Charles, Loretteville, Sainte-Foy, Saint-Émile, Sillery, Vanier and Val-Bélair will no longer form part of mailing addresses.

Quebec City members have this action high on the agenda for the January 20th Chapter meeting and have been working closely with Canada Post and the municipalities to ensure as smooth a transition as possible. Celine Gagnon, Quebec Delivery Planning, Canada Post, prepared and circulated a more detailed write-up on specific changes.
Click here to view.

SIGN UP FOR THE JANUARY SUPER SESSION
Canada Post hosts the first Toronto Chapter meeting of 2006 and a bonus National Workshop: Billing & Credit Management. Jam-packed value at this January 26th super session. Following the introductory Toronto Chapter meeting chaired by new Director, Craig Porter, Mackenzie Financial, Ed Lanthier, Director, Credit Management, Canada Post, and his team will address their current and future initiatives. Canada Post is responding to mailing industry concerns tabled in recent months and brought into focus at The YOU vs Inefficiencies! Best Practices workshop in December. Table your views on proposed new initiatives and process improvements and contribute to shaping the future.
Read more and register today! Click here.

FRASER DIRECT LOGISTICS ADDS DDH DISTRIBUTION
Fraser Direct Logistics recently announced DDH Distribution Services joined Fraser Direct to offer freight management as part of the Fraser in-house logistics service at their 80,000 square foot Georgetown facilities. Offering freight services, Canada Post expertise, and customs brokerage Canada-wide, Fraser Direct bills itself a “one-stop” shopping facility for cross border movement of freight. More information: Mary Duncan or Kelly Stewart at: 905-877-4411 or click on the Fraser logo to access the website.