Canadian government announces “vision for renewal” at Canada Post

Public Services Minister Carla Qualtrough has today (24 January) set out the Canadian Government’s “vision for renewal” at Canada Post”.

As previously reported, ahead of the 2015 election the Liberal party said it would put a brake on Canada Post’s programme of introducing community mailboxes instead of door-to-door home deliveries.

In today’s announcement, Public Services and Procurement Canada said: “The program to convert home delivery to community mailboxes will be terminated effective immediately, building on the previously announced moratorium.”

“Additionally, to help those who have difficulty accessing community mailboxes, Canada Post will significantly expand its accessibility program. This will help seniors and others with reduced mobility access their mail, and result in better service for tens of thousands of Canadians. The government is asking Canada Post to set up a panel of experts and advocates for seniors and people with disabilities to advise on the development, implementation and promotion of an enhanced accessibility program.”

Reading between the lines, this suggests that Canada Post will not be introducing new community mailboxes – but in at least some of the areas where the community mailboxes have already been introduced, they could be here to stay.

The Public Services and Procurement Canada statement continued: “Canada Post will be reclassified under the Financial Administration Act with the strengthened expectation that it will reinvest all of its profits in service and innovation. It will also promote its affordable remittance services to Canadians through its vast network of post offices across the country.

“New leadership is key to Canada Post’s future success and to create the foundation needed for renewal. Recently, Minister Qualtrough announced the appointment of Jessica L. McDonald as the Chair of Canada Post’s Board of Directors to oversee the implementation of the new vision, which is outlined in a letter. Her appointment is part of a broader renewal of the Board of Directors, incorporating greater diversity and broader perspectives, including labour. The government is also asking the Board to build more collaborative and constructive relations with communities, employees, labour and other stakeholders.”