The days of home mail delivery are coming to an end.
Citing “unsustainable” losses, stalled contract talks and dwindling numbers of Canadians sending letters, the federal government is giving Canada Post the go-ahead to end home delivery for customers who still have it, close some rural post offices, and send mail by land instead of air.
In a press conference Thursday afternoon, federal minister for government transformation, public works and procurement Joël Lightbound announced that he’s giving the Crown corporation 45 days to come up with a plan to implement the broad restructuring, which he called a necessary step to keep Canada Post alive.
“Canada Post is now facing an existential crisis,” said Lightbound, adding that the Crown corporation has racked up more than $5 billion in loss