Last Week, Joël Lightbound, the federal minister responsible for Canada Post, announced the government's plan to reform the postal service.

 

This would include ending home delivery for more than 4 million Canadians. However, what will affect Northern Manitoba the most is the lifting of a moratorium that prevents the closure of thousands of rural post offices.

 

Mark Armitage with Canada Post in the Pas says the move was a shock, and the union strike was unplanned.

 

 The closure of rural post offices could mean drives of an hour or more for some rural residents who need to pick up mail at other post offices.

 

Grand Chief Kyra Wilson stated that this could pose an additional hurdle for First Nations communities, which are already facing barriers to accessing essential services.

 

Canada Post stated in a release that it is disappointed in the union's decision to strike, noting that it would only exacerbate the situation.