Canada Post operations across the country ground to a halt as the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) declared an immediate, nationwide strike in response to sweeping, federally mandated reforms for the Crown corporation.
The 55,000 postal workers walked off the job just hours after Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound announced drastic, long-anticipated changes aimed at preventing what he called an “existential crisis” at Canada Post.
Minister Lightbound confirmed the federal government would be lifting the moratorium on converting residential mail delivery, effectively ordering the end of door-to-door service for the remaining four million Canadian households over the next decade.
The Minister argued that with Canada Post “effectively insolvent” and on track for an annual loss of over $1.5 billion, the changes are necessary to secure its future.
“Canada Post is now facing an existential crisis,” said Lightbound in his announcement.
“This situation is unsustainable. Canada Post is effectively insolvent, and repeated bailouts are not a long-term solution. Transformation is required to ensure the survival of Canada Post and protect the services Canadians rely on.”
The reforms, which follow a recent Industrial Inquiry Commission report, also include plans to:
CUPW leadership expressed outrage that the union was not consulted on the dramatic shift in mandate.
“In response to the Government’s attack on our postal service and workers, effective immediately, all CUPW members at Canada Post are on a nationwide strike.”
Canada Post confirmed the immediate service disruption, stating that parcels and mail will not be delivered or accepted until the strike ends.
The two sides remain far apart, not only on contract terms but now on the core business model of the public mail service itself, leaving millions of Canadians with an uncertain timeline for their home delivery to resume.
