THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2007

JANUARY RATE AND SPECIFICATION CHANGES
Mailers are reminded the new commercial rates and specifications came into effect January 15th. Any mailer experiencing difficulty with meeting the new reporting requirements should be in direct communication with their CPC service representative. Chapter Directors will include in their Chapter agendas a discussion on best practices for the reporting requirements, as well as an evaluation session on the surcharges announced by Canada Post in November 2006 across all product categories.

GRACE PERIOD – METER REPLACEMENT
Canada Post announced December 8 the Corporation will continue to recognize mail as valid from postage meters not fully compliant with new requirements, until June 30, 2007. Earlier, Canada Post and meter suppliers had advised customers that effective December 31, 2006, the Corporation would be withdrawing approval of all postage meters that are not fully compliant with security, digital indicia and product capture requirements. Although many customers have already converted their meters or are in the process of doing so, it was recognized that overall the market had been unable to convert at the rate anticipated.

CANADA POST DELIVERS
In a report released January 5, Canada Post advised over 900 million pieces of mail were delivered right up to and including Christmas eve. This, despite the significant weather challenges presented in Western Canada. Overall, the holiday period mail volumes were down by approximately one per cent compared to 2005. In the week leading up to Christmas, Canada Post handled 225 million pieces compared to 217 million pieces in 2005.

MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR CREDIT FRAUD
Vancouver police uncovered a multi-million dollar credit fraud operation that reportedly ensnared Revenue Canada, Canada Post, and the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (Canwest News Service, January 17.) A lengthy police investigation led officers to a home in Coquitlam, where Canada Post master keys were found. The keys were reportedly used by a Bulgarian criminal group to steal credit cards, drivers license documents and Canada Revenue Agency information.

ROBERT BOUEY NAMED INTRIA PRESIDENT
INTRIA, a wholly owned subsidiary of CIBC, recently announced the appointment of Robert G. Bouey as President, succeeding Ken Acheson, who retired at the end of October. Mr. Bouey joined INTRIA in 1996, after 17 years with CIBC. Prior to this current appointment, he was INTRIA’s Chief Operating Officer, responsible for the day-to-day performance of the company’s 18 processing facilities across Canada. www.intria.com

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