Postal deregulation gets two thumbs down during Canada Post Corporation Strategic Review (September 2009)

Introduction

The debate over postal deregulation resurfaced during the federal government’s Canada Post Corporation Strategic Review (CPCSR) in 2008, well over a decade after taking off and taking root in Europe and elsewhere.

On April 21, 2008, Canada’s federal government launched the CPCSR to look at a variety of postal issues, including the exclusive privilege or monopoly and the universal service obligation (USO).

This paper outlines the positions that major stakeholders took on deregulation during the consultations undertaken by the CPCSR and in communications with select stakeholders.

In addition, it looks at public opinion and the views of political representatives.

The paper also identifies changes in positions which have occurred since the Canada Post Mandate Review in 1995-96, which was the last time the federal government looked at the post office.

As well, the paper outlines the CPCSR process and examines the report of the CPCSR, along with the government’s response as of September 2009. It also assesses the degree to which the report and response reflect the views of stakeholders.