Canada – Update on mail services in view of COVID-19

21 December, 2020

Update

The designated operator of Canada, Canada Post, asks us to inform other Union member countries and their designated operators that it continues to experience significant disruption to its activities owing to the exceptional precautionary measures implemented to protect the health and safety of its employees and Canadians, as well as persistent challenges relating to the availability of transport links.

Canada is experiencing a second wave of COVID-19 and all provinces therefore remain in a state of emergency. The force majeure situation previously declared for all international letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items will remain in effect up to 31 December 2020 and until further notice.

Canada Post continues to follow the guidance and safety recommendations issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada, including physical distancing and self-quarantine for affected individuals. These measures have resulted in delays in the processing of mail, unprecedented levels of absenteeism among operational staff, and temporary facility closures owing to COVID-19 outbreaks. More details of Public Health Agency of Canada advice for essential businesses is available at the following link.

Canada Post provides regular updates on the challenges that it faces owing to COVID-19, including record growth in parcel volumes exceeding operational capacity, the implementation of new safety measures, and changes to delivery procedures. These updates can be found on the COVID-19 updates page of the Canada Post website at the following link.

It has not been possible to ensure on-time delivery since 18 March 2020, and this guarantee remains suspended until further notice. Please refer to the current service delivery alerts listed on the Canada Post website at the following link.

Canada Post continues to face challenges relating to the availability of transport links. For the latest information on destinations for which mail can or cannot be accepted, please see the Canada Post website at the following link.

The revised delivery procedures outlined in EmIS 561/2020, intended to prevent close customer interaction in line with physical distancing measures, remain in effect.

Canada Post thanks all Union member countries and their designated operators for their understanding.