Several Canada Post employees working in the outskirts of the National Capital Region are being replaced because they can't speak French.
A popular postal worker in Pakenham, as well as three Canada Post employees in Almonte, are all being reassigned because they don't meet language requirements that govern the National Capital Region.
"I'll miss all the people. I'll see them in town everyday, but you know on a different basis," said Jeanne Barr, who is being replaced as postmistress at the Pakenham post office where she's worked for seven years.
Canada Post says new work will be offered to all employees affected by the language laws. However, the agency can't say where the employees will work or how many hours they will be assigned.
"They're serving the community and that's fully respected by the community, but we also have an obligation to ensure that we are providing services in English and French in those communities," said Jon Hamilton, a spokesperson for Canada Post.
However, the mayor of Mississippi Mills Township, which incorporates both Pakenham and Almonte, says only about 0.2 per cent of the population speaks only French.
Mayor Al Lunney says he's also not sure why the township is classified as part of the National Capital Region.
"Haven't found one (reason) yet, but again this has just come to light in the last couple of weeks since this issue came about," he said.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's John Hua
