The federal government is warning that any new strike at Canada Post would cause serious and immediate disruption for millions of Canadians, especially those in rural and remote areas. Blacklock's Reporter says the caution came in a newly released Public Works briefing note as postal workers voted on a final contract offer from management.“The government is aware a renewed work stoppage would have a significant and immediate impact on millions of Canadians, small business and charities that count on Canada Post,” said the May 29 document titled Canada Post Corporation Financial Stability.Cabinet ordered the vote after forcing an end to a 32-day postal strike before Christmas. Management told the Canada Industrial Relations Board that its latest offer was final. “We want to be clear, this is as far as the corporation can go,” wrote Canada Post officials. “Further delays or disruptions will only make things worse. We must act now.”.The postal service has not reported a profit in seven years and is facing what it describes as a worsening financial crisis. Last year’s pre-tax loss totaled $841 million. Of that, $208 million was attributed to the strike. Revenues dropped 12%, with parcel income down 20%, transaction mail revenue falling 5.3%, and ad mail or flyer revenue declining 3%, according to the corporation’s annual report to Parliament.Canada Post has raised stamp prices twice in an effort to shore up its finances, including a 32¢ hike in domestic letter rates that now stand at $1.24. Combined, the increases are expected to generate $102.2 million annually.In 2024 testimony before the Commons government operations committee, Canada Post COO Alexandre Brisson told MPs the corporation is struggling to remain relevant. .“We are now facing intensifying competition,” he said. “Our market share has significantly dropped.”Brisson noted the agency was built for a different era. “We are a machine designed for letter mail delivery. We are now in the middle of a big parcel market and we have got to change.”The federal briefing echoed that message. “Like so many other businesses, Canada Post needs to adapt to the changes in how Canadians live and work to remain relevant and viable,” it stated.
