Deregulation at Canada Post would reduce the security and privacy of the mail

The federal government is conducting a review of our public post office called the Canada Post Corporation Strategic Review (CPCSR). The CPCSR is considering deregulation of our universal public postal system. This is the last in a series of five bulletins on good reasons to oppose deregulation of Canada Post.

Deregulation would jeopardize the security and privacy of the mail. It is currently a federal offence for anyone to open or tamper with mail without the permission of the recipient or a judicial warrant.

The post office employs a highly trained security force whose primary responsibility is security of the mail. Major postal facilities are equipped with elaborate security systems. As a result, senders and recipients of mail may be reasonably confident that the nature of their business or personal correspondence is private and secure.

With the introduction of competition, it would be virtually impossible for the federal government to ensure that a myriad of delivery companies lived up to legislation requiring security of the mail.

Privacy problems would be compounded by the fact that many competitors would be American-based companies that are subject to the terms of the USA Patriot Act. Under the terms of this Act, American subsidiaries delivering mail in Canada can be required to provide the American government with any records they have concerning the sending or receipt of mail.

 

What can you do?

Speak up. Say no to deregulation. If you haven’t signed a Hey Harper – Hands off my post office postcard yet, ask your steward or a local union representative for one.