It’s always satisfying to watch as municipal governments stand up to federal government policies.
While it is usually a David versus Goliath scenario, it’s still encouraging to watch our most local of representatives battle the omnipresent, highest level of Canadian politicians.
Case in point, Nelson’s official opposition to the recent decision by Canada Post to phase out home delivery.
In December, it was announced that within five years, all door-to-door mail delivery service will be eliminated in favour of community mailboxes located throughout the city.
Nelson city council is standing, united, against that policy and has sent a letter opposing the plan and voicing its concerns.
It will in all likelihood fall on deaf ears — even council knows that — but at least the message was sent. It is one of the ongoing problems with creating policy for a country as vast as Canada.
Decision makers in Ottawa can’t possibly have a full grasp of how their policies will impact smaller rural communities in Saskatchewan, or the Yukon, or even the Kootenays.
Having a community mailbox might be fine in downtown Toronto where there is likely one every block. But throughout the winter months, what senior wants to walk, or drive, in the snowy, below freezing conditions of this more sparcely populated area?
Municipal governments may be thought of as the entity that hikes property taxes, plows roads and attends grand openings, however it also has to be our voice — that annoying squeak in the background that shouts “what about us?” while the federal government goes about running the entire country.
We applaud council for taking a stand and speaking out for its citizens.
They may be ignored, but it’s better to be ignored for squeaking than for remaining silent.