What the Canada Post Strike Means for Canadian Seniors
CARP National Office – November 18, 2024
As the voice of Canada’s seniors, the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) is deeply concerned about the ongoing Canada Post strike and its disproportionate impact on seniors and older Canadians, particularly in the economic times we live in. Many of our members rely on postal services for essential needs, and disruptions in mail delivery are placing their well-being and financial security at risk.
CARP’s Education & Advocacy Officer, Bill VanGorder, notes that, “The impact on all seniors and older Canadians has an immediate and negative impact. This will heighten during the holiday season, and places many seniors at further economic and social risk.”
For seniors, the timely delivery of medications is a matter of health and safety. Many older Canadians rely on prescription drugs being delivered by mail, especially those who live in rural or remote areas where local pharmacies may not be easily accessible. Many may have medications and/or essential supplies stuck in the mail system – ordering duplicates may not be possible.
A delay in receiving these medications could lead to serious health complications and an increased burden on the healthcare system.
In addition to medications, seniors often receive important financial documents through the mail, including pension and social security cheques, government correspondence, and notices about healthcare and benefits. For many, these payments and documents are critical to their day-to-day living. The postal strike is creating unnecessary uncertainty, as seniors may experience delays or even missed payments, which could lead to financial instability.
Furthermore, small businesses owned by seniors, which are integral to our communities, depend on Canada Post to send and receive invoices, cheques, and other important documents. The disruption in postal services affects their cash flow and operations, making it harder for them to maintain or grow their businesses.
CARP calls for an immediate resolution to this labour action and for intervention by the Government if this continues.
Contact
Bill VanGorder, Education & Advocacy Officer
902 999 3572
vangorder@carp.ca
