Al Lunney

Today, I received an email from Canada Post enclosing a media release that they sent out today.

Statement from Canada Post

December 11, 2009

“In the last few days there has been a great deal of discussion regarding a decision by Canada Post to replace the local postmistress in Pakenham with a bilingual employee based on our understanding of the Official Languages Act. 

The issue in Pakenham and other small communities in the National Capital Region (NCR) is that “community need” for services in both official languages is determined by somebody other than those who live in the community or those who work hard every day to serve them.    

Therefore, Canada Post will maintain the status quo in Pakenham in order to review the situation.  Most importantly, we will be seeking clarification from the Office of Official Languages on the application of the act in small communities within the NCR.  As a result, the current postmistress in Pakenham will continue in her position.  We will be talking to her today to explain the situation and will continue to keep her apprised of our progress. 

 We remain committed to the principle of serving people in both official languages where demand exists, and as required by federal regulation.”

 Jon Hamilton, General Manager

Communications Delivery, Canada Post

Posted in Mississippi Mills, National Capital Region, Pakenham | 1 Comment »

I just got a call from Gordon O’Connor’s office.  Jeanne Barr will keep her job at Pakenham Post Office. Sanity prevails.

Posted in Mississippi Mills, National Capital Region, Pakenham | 5 Comments »

The following letter was sent to The Ottawa Citizen last night expressing my opinions on the current situation.

RE: Postmistress who knows no French loses job in all-English Pakenham by Tom Spears, Dec. 8, 2009
& Canada Post, Return this decision to sender by Kelly Egan ,Dec 9, 2009

When Bad Things Happen to Good Ideas

Policies are often based on good ideas, but seldom do the creators of the ideas concern themselves with the implementation of those good ideas. The decision to remove Jeanne Barr from her position as postmistress of Pakenham Post Office because she is not bilingual is an example of a good idea gone bad.

First of all, let me say that I believe in the basic principles of bilingualism. I believe that a Canadian has the right to government services in his/her language. But what qualifies a person to be bilingual? When I call a federal government department, I often speak with a “bilingual” person whose English is fractured. The nuances of the English language are often lost in these conversations regarding serious situations such as health, income tax, pensions, etc. Regardless, I accept this as I still believe that both our official languages should be available where numbers are warranted.

However, the implementation of bilingualism should be very different in the capital city than in a small virtually unilingual community. Of the 400 residents in Pakenham Village, I cannot imagine a single person who could not be served effectively by Jeannie Barr. She is known, well-liked and well-respected by the local community.

This latest move by Canada Post to relieve Ms Barr of her job has brought forth a multitude of negative reactions which only divide Canadians. I have heard more negative rhetoric in the last few days than I’ve heard in years. When a policy becomes more important than the people being served, it is time to change the policy. Pakenham is a closely-knit community in which people help people. I know this first-hand as my wife and I both grew up there.

I am proud to serve as the Mayor of Mississippi Mills, which includes Pakenham. Most of our residents are oblivious to the fact that we are in the National Capital Region and as a consequence fall under this bilingualism policy which ironically does not apply to our much larger neighbours in Arnprior and Carleton Place. Our Council will be seriously reviewing what, if any, the advantages are of belonging to the National Capital Region and investigating if there are other “zingers” waiting for us.

Al Lunney, Mayor, Town of Mississippi Mills

Posted in Almonte, Mississippi Mills, National Capital Region, Pakenham | 2 Comments »