What the resumption of services at Canada Post means for customers, competitors and the mail system
Canada Post workers are set to return to their routes on Dec. 17, following a decisive ruling by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). But as the clock ticks toward the holidays, Canadians are left wondering: what happens to the mountains of undelivered mail, t he fate of delayed Christmas packages, and the unresolved contract negotiations between the Crown corporation and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW)? Here are answers to some of Canadians’ most pressing questions:
Canada Post has confirmed that operations will resume at 8 a.m. local time on Tuesday, Dec. 17. However, the ramp-up will be gradual, as stabilizing a national network of depots, processing plants, and post offices will take time. The company stated it will not accept or pick up new parcels or mail until Thursday, Dec. 19, to focus on clearing the backlog of items already in the system.
Post office hours of operation may also vary during this period, and Canada Post encourages Canadians to monitor updates on their website.
The strike, which began on Nov. 15, has left an estimated 12 million items delayed in the system. Canada Post will begin processing these items on a first-in, first-out basis, prioritizing mail and parcels trapped in the network during the strike.
The company has emphasized that clearing the backlog will take time and that delivery delays could extend through the end of 2024 and into January 2025. Time-sensitive shipments like medical supplies and deliveries to northern and remote communities, which rely heavily on postal services, are expected to take precedence.
Additionally, Canada Post will only begin accepting new international mail and parcels on Dec. 23. Customers shipping internationally should expect
Read more on financialpost.com
