Canada Post turned 25 October 16, a chance for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) to reflect on the past 25 years and help plan the next 25.

“What is the future of our public post office? What do we need to do to face the challenges we face? What will it mean for postal workers? What will it mean for the Public?” asks Deborah Bourque, National President of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

On October 16th, 1981 Parliament passed the Canada Post Corporation Act (CPC Act) creating a Crown Corporation mandated it to expand service, have good labour relations and break even.

“Unfortunately, Canada Post has lost sight of its own mandate,” said Bourque. “Canada Post President and CEO keeps telling the public that she runs a commercial enterprise with a business mandate.”

Today CUPW is launching Our Vision of the Post Office to help initiate a broad discussion on the future of the public postal system.

“Locals from coast to coast to coast are encouraged to throw birthday parties, talk about the vision document, let Canada Post know what they think and set up information tables among other planned activities,” said Bourque. “It’s like watching your kid celebrate their birthday; you’re proud, nobody sees how much work you’ve done to get them to this point and you’re scared yet hopeful for their future.”