THURSDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2006

INTERNATIONAL MAIL: A HERO STEPS UP
The legal interpretation and feared widespread application of the Exclusive Privilege as it pertains to International Mail (including mail bound for the United States), continues to cause considerable industry churn, cost business for all parties, and create a climate of uncertainty for customers and prospective customers. No one is winning.

Enter the hero: the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport and Minister Responsible for Canada Post Corporation, responded in Question Period recently that “…we’ll be coming forward in a few weeks with substantive steps to deal with the issue regarding international remailers.” Read more – click here:

The ensuing debate in which the VAM Council will represent its members’ legitimate interests, at least guarantees a voice to all impacted parties. Given the current state of fear and confusion in the mailing industry, NAMMU fully supports Minister Cannon’s openness to driving a good business solution, in the legitimate interests of the parties concerned.

CUSTOMER ADVISORY COUNCIL
Several NAMMU members are participating in a Canada Post initiated advisory session on November 1 in Toronto. The intended facilitator, Erik Lockhart, Queen’s University, reprises his role from the November 2004 session. All input remains anonymous and the session provides an important opportunity for open exchange.

VAM COUNCIL OPPORTUNITIES
Laura Artibello (Mailennium), Chair of the Value Add Mailer (VAM) Council, offers two opportunities for VAM members in November. On November 7, Laura will discuss with Canada Post the VAM community’s interests, issues and agenda. It is not too late to contribute your ideas for Laura’s discussion. Contact laura@mailenniumgroup.com by November 6th a.m.

The VAM council will hold a meeting November 13th at Canada Post – Gateway, in response to a request by Canada Post to provide input on a potential process upgrade. Your participation is welcome and pre-registration is required. Full meeting details and registration: click here.

TORONTO CHAPTER MEETING
Craig Porter (Mackenzie Financial) invites you to participate at the next chapter meeting, November 23. Agenda items include a first look at the surcharge re-alignment, and an industry update on Stewardship Ontario. Register now for this informative session – click here for meeting details and registration form.

MEMBERSHIP
It pays to be a NAMMU member. Know someone who wants to join: membership@nammu.org