The remaining 4 million addresses that are still receiving door-to-door service will be transitioned over the next nine years, with most conversions happening within three to four years. This shift is expected to save Canada Post nearly $400 million annually. How many farm addresses this will impact is unknown.
The rural post office moratorium covers nearly 4,000 locations. However, Canada’s demographics have changed dramatically over the past 30 years. Many areas once considered rural are now suburban or urban, yet they continue to operate under rural postal service standards.
Again, while this reclassification may make sense for growing communities, it raises concerns about how truly rural areas—especially farming communities—will be affected.
Canada Post will also reduce the frequency of mail delivery and close some post offices to reflect declining mail volumes. The average household receives just two letters per week, yet the infrastructure remains built for much higher volumes. By shifting non-urgent mail from air to ground transport, the corporation expects to save over $20 million annually.
Financial Crisis Driving Urgency
Canada Post’s financial situation is dire. Since 2018, it has accumulated over $5 billion in losses. In 2024 alone, the corporation lost more than $1 billion, and it is projected to lose $1.5 billion in 2025.
A $1-billion federal bailout earlier this year helped keep operations afloat, but the second quarter of 2025 saw the worst results in the corporation’s history, with a $407 million loss. Canada Post is currently losing approximately $10 million every day.
Impact on Rural Publications and Small Businesses
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) said they had not been consulted, stating they were unaware of the announcement beforehand. Lightbound did not reference the union’s recent job action on flyer delivery in his presentation, when asked he said he respected the negotiation process.
The union’s recent job action banning flyer delivery has already impacted small businesses and rural publications, including Farms.com Ag Buyer’s Guide and Better Farming Prairies. With the fall season being critical for the agricultural industry, any disruption in flyer delivery could hurt rural economies.
A few hours after the Government announcement the union announced it was immediately going on strike.
Not just the union will be impacted. While the government is removing long-standing barriers to reform, Minister Lightbound emphasized that internal leadership and structural changes within Canada Post will be essential.
As Canada Post prepares its implementation plan, rural Canadians—especially farmers—will be looking for assurances that their unique needs will be considered. Reliable mail service remains vital for agricultural businesses, whether for receiving parts, contracts, or publications.