Oak Ridges - Markham MP Lui Temelkovski is hoping to get government action started Friday regarding rural mail delivery, but York - Simcoe MP Peter Van Loan doesn't think a lot is going to come from it.

Temelkovski put forth a private member's motion last month, calling on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Lawrence Cannon to "use his power to direct Canada Post to maintain traditional rural mail delivery and protect public safety when rural constituents are required to collect mail at designated group mailbox locations, long distances from their homes."

He lucked out, as his motion drew a high priority position in the draw of private members items, and the issue is slated for discussion in the House of Commons Friday.

Curtailing rural deliveries has become a major issue for many people living in King, especially those living in RRs of Newmarket, such as in the Ansnorveldt and Kettleby areas. Certain residents abruptly had their private deliver cut off earlier this year, with mail being left in group mail boxes. This change was the result of a decision by Human Resources Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) that found safety concerns for employees delivering rural mail from the Newmarket postal station. There have been similar situations reported in other parts of the country.

"The government must find a solution that is respectful of the rights and safety of Canada Post employees and that also respects the convenience and safety of residents accessing their mail," he remarked last month. "In essence, the decision has put more people on the roadways when compared to the one mail delivery person who was on the road before."

"This has been a frustrating experience for some of my rural constituents and now this issue will be brought to the attention of the House where we can address it in a constructive way," he added.

Temelkovski reported that Cannon spoke in the House last week, stating he and Prime Minister Stephen Harper would be meeting with Canada Post officials. The news pleased Temelkovski, although he wondered what had taken so long.

"Rural parts of my riding ceased receiving rural mail delivery several months ago,' he observed. "Why is cabinet only taking action now?"

He also stated he wrote to Harper about this in April, and the PM's response said that his comments "have been carefully noted."

"The prime minister gave no indication to me that he was taking this file seriously," Temelkovski stated. "I received what read as a generic response from his correspondence unit. This only convinced me to proceed with the motion to force the House of Commons to deal with this issue in a constructive manner."

"It's an interesting motion, coming from a Liberal," Van Loan commented.

He pointed out it was the previous Liberal government that decided to include all rural route carriers as Canada post employees, rather than having them in outside contract positions. That meant they were covered under the Canada Labour Code.

"That's not a decision that our government can undo," Van Loan said. "What's done is done."

Temelkovski was amused when informed of Van Loan's assessment.

"Obviously, he doesn't know the file," he remarked, adding this isn't a partisan issue, but one in which there were legitimate complaints from workers.

As well, he said he'd spoken to media representatives from New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, where such problems have been reported.

"This is not a localized issue," he said.

He added he's talked to Harper about this, and the PM has taken a "strong personal interest" in the issue. Harper met with Canada Post President Moya Greene Thursday, Van Loan reported, to make it clear "forcefully" that the government does not want delivery cut off to legitimate rural areas.

Van Loan said he's been combing the statutes himself. The problem, he concluded, is beyond union grievances. He said it looks more like an effort on the part of the Crown corporation to reduce service as a cost-cutting measure.

Not so, said Scott Lewis, corporate communications officer for the central area of Canada Post.

"Safety is our priority," he said. "It isn't and never has been a cost-saving decision."

Van Loan said he doesn't expect to play much of a role in Friday's debate. He said discussions of private members bills are usually pretty limited, adding he expects Cannon's Parliamentary Assistant Brian Jean will probably do most of the talking on behalf of the government.

"I don't see anything particularly objectionable in the motion," Van Loan said, apart from the fact Temelkovski is asking the government to clean up a mess his party made, while offering no real solution. "It's a little bit hypocritical."

"I expect it will pass, and it will open up the government's eyes," Temelkovski commented Monday. "Hopefully, they'll put enough pressure on Canada Post and have them change their mind."

"I don't expect the government will fall on this issue," he added with a chuckle.