Court challenge launched against elimination of home mail delivery

Union argues decision to end delivery beyond Canada Post’s authority

Representatives from seniors’ groups as well as organizations for people with disabilities have joined the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) as it launches a major legal challenge against efforts to eliminate home mail delivery.

“In Canada, people should count, not just the bottom line,” said Denis Lemelin, national president of the CUPW.

The union plans to file its challenge in the Federal Court of Canada under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, asking the court to put a stop to Canada Post’s termination of home mail delivery.

CUPW is arguing the decision is beyond Canada Post’s authority. The union wants the Parliament of Canada — which created Canada Post and defined its mandate — to make the ultimate decision.

Canada Post announced its intentions to end home mail delivery on Dec. 1, 2013. The decision, along with Canada Post’s subsequent requirement of a medical note to retain home delivery — has critics calling for intervention.

“This is one of the most important postal decisions which has ever been made since Canada Post was created in 1981,” said Paul Cavalluzzo, a constitutional lawyer who will be arguing the case on behalf of disabled and older citizens.

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