Statement - Canada Post responds to Conference Board of Canada's Report

OTTAWA, April 23, 2013 /CNW/ - The Conference Board of Canada's report entitled "The Future of Postal Service in Canada" reflects on the challenges faced by Canada Post and the urgent need to transform to serve the changing needs of Canadians. Canada Post welcomes this comprehensive report as the beginning of an important conversation with people across the country about what they value and what needs to change to get there.

Canadians are well aware of the Corporation's financial issues as they mailed almost one billion fewer letters in 2012 than in 2006. Despite Canada Post's major efforts to transform operations, drive efficiencies and trim labour costs, the Conference Board projects the relentless downward trend in mail volumes will continue, pushing the Corporation into significant annual operating losses.

It is clear that Canadians will continue to want and need a national postal service, but one built for the services they require today and in the future. This will require fundamental changes on the part of the Corporation in order to avoid becoming a burden on taxpayers.

Canada Post must seriously consider all the options put forward by the Conference Board with the understanding that no single initiative will be sufficient to stem the losses from the steep decline in mail volumes. In doing so, the Corporation must continue to meet its public policy obligations, such as serving every Canadian address, including those in rural and northern Canada.

It is important that all Canadians have an opportunity to participate in this discussion about the future of Canada Post. Further announcements will be made in the coming days as we solicit feedback and thoughts from a broad range of customers.

SOURCE: Canada Post