What if Canada Post was part of the post-COVID recovery? Last year was a record year for parcel delivery. Parcel delivery at CPC has been growing exponentially for the past five years, and it shows no sign of slowing down. With this kind of growth, a corporation like Canada Post must roll up its sleeves and review its values, its commitment, and the service portfolio it offers to the population.
Canada Post already has the infrastructure and the network to be an integral part of the post-COVID recovery and development. In doing so, it would create jobs across the country and be part of the government’s environmental plan, while also respecting its mandate to be financially self-sustaining.
To achieve this, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has launched a bold campaign called “Delivering Community Power.” Post offices are everywhere throughout Canada. CPC has more than 6,400 outlets, the largest retail network in the country. CUPW proposes to accelerate the electrification of Canada Post’s vehicle fleet. CPC operates more than 20,000 vehicles, generating 65 kilotons of CO2 every year.
The acquisition of electric vehicles would benefit the environment, stimulate the automotive sector and create decent jobs. Now, imagine if Canada Post installed charging stations at its facilities and made them available to all, creating the largest network of charging stations in Canada.
COVID has brought to light the problem of high-speed Internet access in hundreds of communities. With its extensive presence in those communities, Canada Post could play a central role perfectly in line with the government’s commitment to bring high-speed Internet access to all communities. This also fits with Canada Post’s mission, because it supports online shopping and online shopping fuels parcel delivery. In 62 countries, the post office also provides banking services. Canada’s extensive postal network could also provide crucial banking services, especially in remote, rural and Indigenous communities, which have been abandoned by major banks.
Finally, imagine letter carriers knocking at the door of someone who lives alone. They could offer this check-in service at the request of a family member who could receive a notification saying that everything is fine, or that help is needed.
My 56,000 brothers and sister from CUPW will not accept that Canada Post is sitting idly, refusing to change its old values and habits. I urge you to contact your Member of Parliament to demand a strong postal service for the future.
Scott Gaudet, postal worker
Summerside
