A federal NDP government would restore Canada Post home mail delivery to those whose service has been cut by the Conservative government, a New Democrat MP told parliament yesterday.

“People I talk to are really upset because they know how difficult it will be for thousands of seniors, people with mobility challenges and people living in poverty,” Robert Chisholm, the MP for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS, said. “They also know that this is completely unnecessary.”

“I am proud today to tell my constituents that an NDP government would reverse this terrible decision and restore home mail delivery to those from whom it has been taken,” Chisholm added.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers welcomed the announcement from Chisholm, who, according to the union, has done extensive work on this issue in his own constituency and elsewhere, and thanked the MP for his efforts to defend the public postal service.

In light of this announcement, and a wave of opposition from municipalities and citizens, the union demanded that Canada Post immediately stop the cuts, including the elimination of home mail delivery.

“It can no longer be denied that this is an election issue. The people of this country deserve a chance to vote on such a major change.” CUPW National President, Mike Palecek, said. “It is time for Canada Post management to listen to the overwhelming chorus from the owners of Canada Post – the citizens of this country. It is time for them to scrap this ridiculous plan.”

Meanwhile, Montreal-area mayors have joined the lawsuit launched by Canada Post employees against the Crown corporation in a bit to halt the cancellation of home delivery.

“Stop trying to divide and conquer, because we’re sending a strong message today that we’re all in this together and that we’ll do what we have to do to make sure that we’re protecting our citizens and their right to have this service,” Mayor of Montreal Denis Coderre said at a press conference also attended by mayors of Laval, Longueuil and Westmount. “We want to be full partners and work with all the people who want to work with us.”

[Photo Credit: Christian Wittich / ‎Canadian Union of Postal Workers]