As the New Year begins, one of my wishes for 2026 is that some big thinkers in our country will discover a more permanent solution to the Canada Post dilemma. Not simply a bailout, and not necessarily a new business model for the same service, but real thinking towards what happens next in mail and package and information delivery.
I love writing letters, especially with a beautiful fountain pen. And I absolutely love receiving letters, cards, and fun mail. And when all that disappears or becomes a premium service, I too, will be in mourning.
Though as someone who spends their work assuring smooth, user-friendly digital giving and communication, I have no illusions that the day is coming when lettermail delivery, as we know it, will cease to exist.
Change is hard, and the transition will continue to take time. Human behavior is hard to affect, especially if the 'why' it's diluted or hard to understand. Yes, the pandemic forced a rapid and significant change in human behavior, new folks learned to use QR codes and online ordering, who had previously never considered it. Suddenly it was presented as the only option. The 'why' was well communicated, even if it was still hard to understand.
And similar to the pandemic, a digital transition will also further marginalize those who rely on mail: to receive government checks and documents, to receive health results, or to mail their rent or utility bills. Those who have less access to cell or wifi, either due to economic restraints or reception issues. Those most affected will need our collective support and our voice to represent them during transition.
Mail disruption or conclusion is not just an inconvenience for family communication, it is challenge and a risk for all charities doing good things. Canadian charities lost roughly $266 million during 2024’s holiday mail service disruptions (CanadaHelps report). At the hospital foundation, almost 70% of our holiday campaign revenue is received by, or prompted by, postal delivery. In 20 years our team has moved the needle from about 3% to 30% online giving, but our demographic of donors, and the increase in credit card scams is working against us.
I challenge you to think about how charities are impacted every time you hear an announcement about Canada Post this year. Lost revenue means fewer hospital operating tables, infant incubators, or emptier food banks.
The next time you support a charity, consider giving online, so that charities can focus on alternative ways to retain the support of those who are not able or not willing to give digitally. If you do not want to use your credit card online, try PayPal, or purchase a physical visa gift card from a trusted retailer, or phone the charity directly.
So...enough from me. Other than praying for peace in the Middle East, peace in Russia/Ukraine, more insightful leadership in the US, and some magic to reverse climate change... What is one bite size issue you are passionate about, that seems achievable for humanity to solve this year, if the right people can collaborate and agree?
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