MONDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2004

INTERNATIONAL RATES & CONDITIONS
NAMMU was advised Canada Post would recommend no change to the rates and conditions proposed for International Lettermail in the June 26th Canada Gazette. According to spokesperson, Ms. Manon Tardif, Canada Post deems these rates “competitive”. Since no NAMMU member objected to the rates nor were there any issues/concerns expressed to the NAMMU executive, NAMMU will not take any further action on International Exclusive Privilege rates.

NCOA OPT OUT RATE CONTINUES TO DECLINE
The dramatic drop to 30 per cent “opt out” in August due to the clear wording and one checkbox format on the new application form, from the 70 per cent highs of the previous two years, was followed by an additional, smaller decline in September. Until the old application form inventory is depleted, there will probably be a steady, small decline each month. Interestingly, the statistics vary significantly from the physical counter form results, to the on-line results:

NPG ENVELOPE CUSTOMER INFORMATION FORUM
Over 40 invited guests had an important “lunch and learn” session courtesy of npg Envelope on October 28th. The topic was MERLIN – and while (thankfully) this wizard will not be coming to Canada in the foreseeable future, the USPS new automated mail verification system is important for many of the attendees who mail in the United States.If you wish to learn more about MERLIN, contact Lindsay Holton: lindsayh@npgenvelope.com npg Envelope also included NAMMU on the agenda, to provide an update on Canadian postal issues. As well, the DESTINATION CANADA Program launched in 2003, remains popular and effective with Canadian bound mailers, as an “in house” program. If your organization would like to have an “in-house” update, please contact: executive@nammu.org

CANADA POST APPOINTMENTS
The recent appointment of Gordon Feeney as Chairman of The Board, has fuelled questions concerning the likely final appointment for role of President, Canada Post Corporation. Anne Joynt was appointed as President after the suspension with pay, followed by the resignation, of the Honourable Andre Ouellet. Sources confirm a search committee is evaluating candidates, but no date is given for a decision. The incumbent has a wealth of experience in all areas of the Corporation, and is held in significant professional esteem both inside and outside Canada Post. In its brief to the Minister Responsible for Canada Post Corporation, NAMMU outlined a series of flaws in the underpinnings of the Policy Framework which drives Canada Post’s strategic planning, and noted one of the key solutions is stability within the management of the Corporation.

ON THE MOVE
Wood & Associates Direct Marketing Services Ltd. has declared an “open house” at their new premises: 237 Finchdene Square, Unit 2, Scarborough, ON M1X 2E1. Customers are welcome to visit on site.

Contact numbers remain the same: Tel: 416-293-2511 and FAX: 416-293-2594