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LLI GOLINE/NORMAN WELLS
Canada Post has been unable to find a suitable candidate to take over the postal service in Norman Wells, which has been experiencing staffing issues since June.

A backlog of mail at the Norman Wells postal facility puts pressure on an already understaffed facility. - NNSL file photo

The location usually employees one full-time employee and one part-time employee but after both resigned in June for personal reasons, Canada Post has been unable to find the right candidate for the position.

John Abbot, regional manager for Canada Post, said two temporary employees located in town declined to take over the position.

"Normally when that happens we go through a hiring process where we put a poster out and people in the community who are interested in the position apply and we conduct interviews and if we find a suitable candidate we hire them and train them," said Abbot. "We've been through two exercises in the community, with the job posting and a series of interviews and we haven't been able to find a suitable candidate at this point. In the meantime we've been asking for volunteers and we've been successful in having a couple of the temps coming in sporadically and we've also had postmasters fly in and spend time in Norman Wells."

Abbott said there have been issues keeping the facility staffed and service has been interrupted for a day or two at a time.

Mayor Harold McGregor said the situation had residents concerned, particularly those who depend on the postal service to receive their medication. However, since Canada Post has begun flying in staff for approximately two weeks at a time, the operation is running more smoothly, he said.

"They sent someone in the other day and she has really taken charge of it," he said. "I think if she's not up to date she's very close now."

Abbott said staffing remote locations can be difficult, particularly if there are no local candidates that meet the job criteria.

He said the cost of living in places such as Norman Wells can be difficult because the position is unionized and wages are fixed across Canada. The employee would not be eligible for a Northern allowance that other jobs, such as a GNWT position, might offer.

"Typically what we look for with the post offices is local candidates, people who are already in the community, somebody looking for a decent job opportunity," he said.

Abbott said five or six Norman Wells locals have responded to each of the two calls for applications but the candidates either were unable to attend the job interview or did not have the skills required for the job.

If the position at the Canada Post office facility isn't filled, Canada Post will look to establish an outlet or franchise with an existing store in town, similar Canada Post locations in many Northern Stores in other communities.

"The bottom-line is we're looking at every opportunity here, every option available to us to resume normal postal service with preference to hiring a Canada Post employee to staff that building," said Abbott.

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