"Worries resurface": Discussion sparks over proposal to discontinue house-to-house mail service
Senior Citizen Concerns Over Potential End of Door-To-Door Mail Delivery
Seniors in Canada, particularly those with mobility issues, are voicing concerns regarding the potential phasing out of door-to-door mail delivery by Canada Post. The apprehension arises as the Industrial Inquiry Commission has suggested replacing it with community mailboxes due to financial instability triggered by a decline in letter mail volumes and operational restrictions.
Unforeseen hazards and the risk of injury are genuine concerns for 78-year-old Regina resident Judy Frank, who depends on door-to-door delivery. The uneven and cracked sidewalk outside her home makes it perilous for her to go out and collect her mail, exacerbating the risk of falls even for someone with minimal mobility.
Frank's daughter, Kyara Moon, echoes her sentiments, stating that door-to-door delivery aids in preserving seniors' independence. Given her mother's condition and her own mobility issues, Moon is worried about the implications if they have to depend on someone else to get their mail.
The concerns for elderly individuals are not limited to Regina. Calgary resident Frankie Thornhill, 72, shares her apprehension about seniors, particularly those in older neighborhoods, having to traverse a couple of blocks to get to a mailbox. In Thornhill's case, a fall resulting from slipping on some seemingly harmless ice caused a severe hamstring injury.
Canada Post currently estimates that converting all addresses to community mailboxes could save around $350 million per year. The plan is to still provide door delivery for businesses and those with disabilities who might find it challenging to access community mailboxes.
The Industrial Inquiry Commission's recommendations, however, have been met with disagreement from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, who argue that some of the information on which the report was based is flawed. The union is currently in dispute with Canada Post over a new collective bargaining deal.
While the union contests most of the recommendations, it is worth noting that the report stresses the importance of accommodating people with accessibility needs. Additionally, the report suggests lifting a 1994 moratorium that prevents Canada Post from closing rural post offices.
The transition from door-to-door delivery to community mailboxes is likely to face substantial public opposition, as it would significantly alter the lives of many vulnerable groups, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 24, 2025.
Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press
- Seniors with mobility issues are expressing concerns about the potential discontinuation of door-to-door mail delivery by Canada Post, as they rely on this service for their health-and-wellness needs.
- In response to the proposed change to community mailboxes, 78-year-old Regina resident Judy Frank fears the increased risk of injury due to the uneven and cracked sidewalk outside her home.
- Frankie Thornhill, a 72-year-old Calgary resident, shares similar concerns, especially for seniors in older neighborhoods, who may struggle to access community mailboxes and potentially face risks such as falls on slippery surfaces.
- The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has contested the recommendations made by the Industrial Inquiry Commission, claiming that some of the information used in the report is flawed.
- Despite the union's objections, the report emphasizes the need for accommodating individuals with accessibility needs, including seniors, during the transition from door-to-door delivery to community mailboxes, as this shift could significantly impact the lives of many vulnerable groups.
