Negotiations continue over Unaddressed Admail

The Canadian Community Newspapers Association (CCNA) has submitted its recommendations to Canada Post Corporation (CPC) regarding changes to Unaddressed Admail expected to take effect January 12.

In his letter dated January 9, 2004, CCNA Distribution Committee Chairman Fred Heidman outlined alternatives to the options for preparing inserts previously released by Canada Post. Heidman also reiterated CCNA’s request for an immediate, Canada-wide moratorium on enforcing the amendment while CCNA and CPC are in negotiations. CCNA hopes to receive a response from Canada Post in advance of the January 12 deadline.

CCNA’s Distribution Committee met January 8 to discuss Canada Post’s amendment for preparing inserts and the concerns expressed by members across the country. The amendment states that “an insert placed in a newspaper, magazine or catalogue must be firmly attached or folded into the mailing piece, in order to become an integral part of the mailing piece and not become separated during normal handling.” The amendment provides four options for achieving this: compiling the newspaper and inserts such that they form a common fold; stapling all pieces together; enclosing the inserts in a sealed envelope; and gluing the inserts to the newspaper.

While CCNA and Canada Post work to resolve this issue, Canada Post has offered to intervene on a case-by-case basis with local postmasters on behalf of any members wishing its assistance. Members interested in receiving assistance should contact CCNA Managing Director Tina Ongkeko (Phone: 1-877-305-2262 ext. 25; E-mail: tongkeko@ccna.ca), providing the name of your publication and the postal location at which you drop off your Unaddressed Admail items.

CCNA will keep members posted via the Publisher Bulletin and web site, www.communitynews.ca as developments arise.