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Postal workers walk off the job after Ottawa outlines service reforms

Updated Story 3:15pm

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has launched an immediate nationwide strike.

The move came hours after Ottawa ordered Canada Post to begin what it calls a sweeping transformation of its operations. This may mark the end of a long tradition of to-the-door mail service stretching back well over a century.

The government’s directive highlights declining mail volumes and mounting financial losses as reasons for change. But the postal union says the plan is an attack on workers and on postal services, and it’s urging members to walk off the job “effective immediately.”

Mail delivery is expected to be disrupted across the country as picket lines go up. The government insists reforms are necessary to keep Canada Post sustainable.

Original Story 1:54pm

The federal government says Canada Post stands a good chance to stabilize its operations if it ends door-to-door mail delivery as well as close or convert some offices.

According to the postal company, letter mail has been on the decline for nearly two decades after reaching its peak of 5.5 billion letter in 2006 to two billion last year with further declines also projected.

“Today’s (Thursday) announcement will allow us to make the changes needed to restore Canada’s postal service for all Canadians by evolving to better meet their needs. We take this responsibility seriously and will work closely with the government and our employees to move with urgency and implement the necessary changes in a thoughtful manner. Our goal is to ensure that a strong, affordable, Canadian-made, Canadian-run delivery provider supports the needs of today’s economy and delivers to every community across the country.” Doug Ettinger, Canada Post President and CEO.

Canada Post reported a second-quarter loss of $407 million, marking the Corporation’s largest loss before tax in a single quarter.

From 2018 to the second quarter of 2025, the company has posted cumulative losses from operations of more than $5 billion.

The postal company says it Post began receiving cash injections from the federal government to ensure the company could continue operating.

The Industrial Inquiry Commission (IIC) report in May 2025 from Commissioner William Kaplan stated:

“Canada Post is facing an existential crisis: It is effectively insolvent, or bankrupt. Without thoughtful, measured, staged, but immediate changes, its fiscal situation will continue to deteriorate.”

Vista Radio has reached out to Local CUPW 812 President Nicole Chouinard for a comment and is awaiting a response.

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Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

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