Government Operations committee  I know that Canada Post is exploring and doing an analysis of potentially electrifying its fleet. Again, recognizing that Canada Post has locations across Canada, in certain instances or locations, electrification of its vehicle fleet may be a bit easier and may result in cost savings there, compared to others where it might be a little more difficult or challenging from an infrastructure perspective.

Government Operations committee  Recognizing that I'm venturing into an area that I'm really not that familiar with, I'm going to be fairly cautious because this is, again, an operational question for Canada Post. I think one of the challenges it has faced.... I'm not an EV expert, so I hope Canadians won't get upset with me if I get some of this wrong—

Government Operations committee  Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chair. For example, in northern communities, where the temperature can get a little more difficult, we know the battery life can have some challenges. Again, recognizing that Canada Post has 5,600 locations spread out across Canada and that they serve many different types of communities, I don't necessarily know that a one-size-fits-all approach will work in the way it manages its fleet.

Government Operations committee  I haven't been with the office of small and medium enterprises for.... It's now called Procurement Assistance Canada. Pardon me. I haven't been with Procurement Assistance Canada for a number of years now. I think there is an advantage. Small businesses, particularly depending on where they're located, may have options available to them in shipping, and particularly business-to-business shipping, but in some instances, they may be relying on Canada Post.

Government Operations committee  As I indicated, there are a number of areas that have been identified, including guidance that we received from the Privy Council Office.

Government Operations committee  Again, as we indicated, we do work with Canada Post and we do flag to it every time we become aware of a situation of a rural post office or location being at risk, keeping in mind that the Crown corporation is independent and is responsible for managing its operations and that the board of directors ultimately undertakes the review and ensures compliance with all of these obligations of Canada Post management.

Government Operations committee  Yes, the minister did.

Government Operations committee  I can tell you that we do what our resources permit. It's important to understand something: Canada Post is an organization of nearly 70,000 employees, as I said, whereas my team has fewer than 12 people. We perform our duties for all the agencies and Crown corporations that fall under our department's mandate.

Government Operations committee  There are two things. First, with regard to your direct question of whether we're seeing the flow go the other way from the contracted-out model, I don't have the answer to that question. As I indicated, Canada Post, as an independent Crown corporation, manages its own operations.

Government Operations committee  —which is why I said—

Government Operations committee  I'll say two things, and then I'll turn to my colleague Eugene. When we take a look at the Australian model, as you indicated, we see a lot of comparables between Australia and Canada in terms of geography and some of the challenges and opportunities that arise. What we're finding is that it's a fairly complex issue that often brings a lot of different factors into consideration.

Government Operations committee  The Crown corporation is responsible for managing its day-to-day operations, of course. Furthermore, Canada Post is not subject to most of the Treasury Board's policies on procurement, since Crown corporations are treated differently under the law. That means Canada Post has independence when it comes to procurement, and we have no involvement at all in that aspect.

Government Operations committee  Do you mean in terms of work with Canada Post on issues of their contracting activities?

Government Operations committee  Unfortunately, I was prepared to speak about Canada Post today. While I know the department has undertaken a number of activities in the area of procurement, I don't know that I would be well positioned to be able to provide an informed response.

Government Operations committee  With regard to my role as the assistant deputy minister for policy, planning and communications, I would say that what I've observed since being with the department since 2018 is a department that is aware that there are a number of obligations and requirements, not just in procurement but in a number of other areas.