Statement Presented to the House of Commons by

Paul Steckle , M.P., Huron-Bruce (Ontario)

February 23, 2005

Mr. Speaker:

The post office is a highly visible federal service and functions as the centre piece to many rural and northern communities across Canada. With that, the Minister will understand the public concern over rumours that the moratorium on rural post office closures is to be ended. Will the Minister today assure this House that he will protect rural post offices from being abandoned or closed?