Thank you, Mr. Chair and members of the committee. My name is Patrick Bartlett, and I'm appearing on behalf of NAMMU, Canada’s not-for-profit mailing industry association.
We represent the full mail value chain: printers, mail service providers, data companies, suppliers and postage meter manufacturers. For over 30 years, we have worked collaboratively with Canada Post to support a strong national postal system.
I would like to focus on three issues today: the importance of mail and the mailing industry to Canada's economy, the significant impact of prolonged labour uncertainty and our response to the minister's proposed reforms at Canada Post.
The mailing industry matters to Canada's economy. The mailing industry is a major contributor to jobs, commerce and government revenue: $100 billion in annual revenue, approximately 5% of GDP and 700,000 Canadians employed mostly in small and medium-sized businesses. It's essential for billing, customer acquisition and order fulfillment. Mail represents a lifeline for small and medium-sized businesses. Four in five businesses rely on Canada Post: 73% mail cheques and invoices and 50,000-plus businesses and not-for-profits use postage meters.
Even with volume decline, mail still generates 50% of Canada Post's revenue, or about $3.1 billion annually. Mail density also enables Canada Post to remain competitive in parcels despite a higher cost structure. Marketing with physical mail drives higher engagement and response rates with strong recall, trust and presence cutting through digital clutter.
A commercially sustainable Canada Post is, therefore, fundamental to the industry, the businesses it supports and the Canadians it employs.
There is a cost that comes with labour uncertainty. Our sector is fully dependent on Canada Post for delivery. When the postal system stops, we stop. Over the last 18 months, businesses have been shuttered, employees have been laid off, cash reserves have been drained and major market campaigns have been delayed or cancelled. This is our peak season. Continued disruption is not survivable for many SMEs.
NAMMU respects the right to collective bargaining, but after nearly two years of negotiations, the parties are further apart, not closer. We therefore believe binding arbitration is now the only practical path to restore stability. Without urgent action, the consequence will ripple through the broader economy.
The reform direction is right; execution will matter. NAMMU generally supports the direction outlined by Minister Lightbound: flexibility in delivery standards, ending moratoriums on community mailbox conversion and rural post office closures—