Other public policy programs
Government mail and material for the use of people who are blind or partially sighted
The Canada Post Corporation Act (Act) allows for the mailing of letters free of charge between citizens and the Governor General, members of Parliament (MPs), the speakers of the Senate and the House of Commons, and other designated officials of Parliament. MPs can also send up to four flyer mailings a year free of charge to their constituents.
The Act also provides for free mailing of material for the use of people who are blind or partially sighted, allowing them to send talking books and other materials free of charge across Canada and around the world. The free service is also provided to many libraries across the country, including that of CNIB.
Canada Post received a government appropriation of approximately $22 million in 2023 to help offset the financial impact of government mail and materials for the use of people who are blind or partially sighted.
Library materials
The library materials service, mandated by the Canada Post Corporation Act, is available to recognized public libraries, university libraries or other libraries that are maintained by non-profit organizations or associations and are for public use in Canada. The service provides reduced postage rates for eligible library materials circulated between a library and its patrons. Canada Post receives no appropriation or compensation of any kind from the government to offset this reduced postage rate.
Canadian Forces Postal Service
We also offer free delivery of letters and Regular Parcel™ items to members of the Canadian Armed Forces deployed overseas during the holiday season. Since the inception of this service in 2006, we have delivered over 189,000 parcels, and in 2021, expanded the program to deliver letters for military families for free.
Environmental policy
Canada Post is committed to environmental protection in its operations. The Corporation has determined in accordance with sections 66 and 67 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, that, to the best of its knowledge, during 2023 its projects previously evaluated under the Act were not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. More information about Canada Post’s efforts to protect the environment can be found in the financial section of the Annual Report and in the Corporation’s Sustainability Report.