http://www.vancouversun.com/Business/Postal+union+unite+push+force+Canada+Post+Canadian+vans/1572846/story.htmlAccording to a recent letter sent by Lewenza to Canada Post, the agency was planning to spend $150 million purchasing 4,500 to 5,500 light vehicles in the coming years.
First let me say that I am not against Canada Post purchasing Chrysler Mini Vans. NO way. I think it would be good all around if they did.
What I find interesting is the conflict of interest the Government now finds itself in.
John Caines, spokesman for Canada Post, said any purchases made by the Crown corporation must fall under NAFTA rules.
"Canada Post is subject to the North American Free Trade Agreement government procurement provisions," said Caines. "We do not have the discretion to select a specifically Canadian automotive manufacturer for the purchase of our new vehicles because of the NAFTA tendering rules. We must tender the purchase publicly with an open, transparent and equitable competitive selection process that includes all potential suppliers from the countries that are signatories to NAFTA.
Canada post is owned by the Canadian Government. Its a Crown corporation. Chrysler ..the Canadian Givernment owns a 2% stake and will be lending Chrysler Canada Billions.
Forget NAFTA I hardley think the US Government will get in a tizzy if we buy Crysler vans (since the US Government owns a 10% stake in Chrysler and is loaning them Billions). The Big 3 all build vehicles here and in the US. I don't see Nafta as the stumbling block here.
What I see is possible conflicts because the Canadian Government has ownership in Chrysler and GM. If Ford builds a comperable vehicle even in Canada and gets passed over wouldn't they have legit cause to cry UNFAIR. If Toyota or Hinda who both build vehicles in Canada get passed over could they not point to a legit concern for bias?
If a all the vehicles meet the same specs quality delivery time etc. I have no problem favouring buying vehicles built in Canada. Cars ships trains or scooters. Doesn't matter to me. If the Canadian vehicles don't meet the specs or will cost the taxpayers considerably more we shouldn't buy them even if they are made in Canada.
But the Government is now in a position where they have a real ownership stake in these companies and a real conflict.
I think PUBLIC lobbying by CAW is the worst thing they could do. Yes do it loudly but behind closed doors. Wink wink nudge nudge it would be great if the new Vans were built in Canada. Throw it out into the media and now its under scrutiny and all the red flags are up.
