Canada Post deserves much better treatment from the federal government.
Earlier this year, NPF submitted a Canada Post Industrial Inquiry Brief to the Financial Status Review board.
At least one-quarter of Canada’s population relies on this public good. Its removal would be a huge disservice to senior Canadian citizens.
See below the Written Submission to the Industrial Inquiry Commission – Commissioner William Kaplan
Re: Financial Status Review of Canada Post Corporation
Submitted By: The National Pensioners Federation
February 12 2025
Contact:
Trish McAuliffe, President
National Pensioners Federation
m: 905-706-5806
e: trish.mcauliffe@npfmail.ca
www.nationalpensionersfederation.ca
Commissioner William Kaplan
Industrial Inquiry Commission Hearing
Respecting the dispute between Canada Post Corporation &
Canadian Union of Postal Workers
edsc.cdi-iic.esdc@labour-travail.gc.ca
February 12, 2025
Dear Commissioner Kaplan
Re: Public Intervention Submission, Canada Post Corporation
The National Pensioners Federation’s provincial and national affiliated organizations thank you for this opportunity to provide evidence from the perspectives of our one million members across Canada.
I believe that the National Pensioners Federation (NPF) is uniquely qualified to comment on the review currently being conducted to highlight concerns and make recommendations that aim to support Canadian seniors and their families across Canada. We feel strongly that you have been charged to conduct one of the most important reviews of a public service that all Canadians and most importantly our seniors population hold dear. Our hope is that ultimately your recommendations will provide lasting change that will enhance Canada Post services by taking into account the lived realities of current and future seniors.
We ask you to consider the following points as you prepare your report.
1. National Public Service jobs are a crown jewel that Canadians are very proud of and have invested in for decades. With that, we recognize that good jobs, wages and benefits support our economy and allows for a life of dignity into retirement years. Without doubt, secured defined benefit pension plans are more important now than ever.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that Canada Post Corporation maintains the investment of the Defined Benefit Pension Plan for its workforce.
2. Seniors rely on the current services of Canada Post and recall threats to cut services by a former government not long ago. Our world has changed and with that change seniors’ interests and trust need to be considered. The NPF has intervened in many other federal hearings to successfully support the interests of our growing senior’s population and uphold services that are affordable, trustworthy and accessible.
Therefore, we recommend that Canada Post remain a trusted universal public service for all Canadians but especially for our growing senior’s population amounting to ¼ of the total population by 2030.
3. Similarly, closures of Canada Post offices negatively impacts seniors in rural and remote parts of our county and service delivery cuts further threaten their isolation and participation in their community.
Therefore, we recommend the continued exclusive privilege Canada Post has to deliver first class mailing, door to door services and build toward further investments to enhance community services be strongly supported.
4. Canadians recognize this opportunity of change and growth for Canada Post and its workforce. It is time for public input that accounts for such demands in a changing world.
An ageing society needs public services and supports that enhance all aspects of their lives. This review currently underway could envision new investment opportunities and growth.
Therefore, we recommend that Canada Post consider; creating a senior check in service as exampled by Japan, France and Jersey in the British Isles who currently offer effective and successful senior check-in services through their national postal services. Provide rural and remote community financial/banking services. Our ageing demographic are reluctant to conduct banking over the internet and look toward trusting local services, Canada Post could provide an ideal service for bill payments and financial supports.
Thank you for considering our submission to inform your report that must aim to achieve all that Canadians can rely on to invest in our future. Additionally, your recommendations are vital in ensuring that seniors can age-in-place in our communities and receive vital services no matter where we live in Canada.
In closing, please know that I am available for further discussion on behalf of our membership and leading affiliate organizations from coast to coast to coast. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Trish McAuliffe
NPF President
