Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Oct 28/02) - Six months ago, it looked as if Iqalungmiut might stage an uprising on the stairs of the post office.

Complaints about long lineups and poor service were commonplace and customers were acting more and more irate.

But, after reviewing their services and recognizing the need to accommodate the city's massive population growth while also planning for the future, Canada Post made major changes to their operations in Nunavut's capital.

Christine Lepore, the crown corporation's project manager in Iqaluit, is largely responsible for easing the congestion.

Along with adding a second postal code (X1A 1H0) and building 786 new post office boxes at a second location at the brown building complex -- bringing the total number of Iqaluit's post office boxes to 3,248 in three different locations -- Lepore has issued a tender call to secure parcel delivery in the city.

She has also brought the staff up to its full complement of seven employees who offer service in Inuktitut, English and French.

The changes mean postal workers are better able to get the 200 daily parcels and up to 7,000 pieces of daily mail into customers' hands more efficiently.

"I'm excited. I've put a lot of work and dedication into this," said Lepore, who estimates she logs about 15,000 kilometres a month implementing the changes between Iqaluit and Ottawa.

"I don't give up easily. There are always hurdles to climb over," she said.