Canada Post Nationwide Strike Halts Services Amid Planned Delivery Cuts

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) initiated a nationwide strike in response to the Canadian government's announcement of an overhaul plan for Canada Post, which includes ending door-to-door mail delivery for nearly all households within the next decade and converting millions of addresses to community mailboxes. The government, led by Minister Joël Lightbound, aims to implement recommendations from the May Industrial Inquiry Commission report to improve Canada Post's financial health, including reducing delivery standards and allowing more frequent stamp price increases. CUPW condemned the changes as an attack on postal workers and public service, warning of job losses and decreased mail volumes due to weakened delivery standards and reduced rural service. Canada Post has suspended all mail processing and delivery except for essential items like socio-economic cheques and live animals, with operations halted until the strike ends. The strike's timing ahead of the holiday shipping season has raised concerns from small businesses about significant disruptions, with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business urging the government to proceed with reforms despite the labor unrest. Federal mediators remain available to help resolve the dispute, emphasizing the need to balance postal service's future with respect for workers.