Rural post office could see opening hours cut
Elmsdale one of a number of Maritime post offices where hours could be cut
A rural post office in western P.E.I. could soon see its opening hours cut back, including shutting down on Saturdays.
The total reduction in opening hours at the Elmsdale post office, near Alberton, is 15 hours a week. Canada Post says the change is part of their mandate to save money and ensure the future of the corporation. The Crown corporation has also announced shorter hours at eight post offices in Cape Breton.
Karen MacDonald, Maritime president of the Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association, is worried the cuts will have a negative impact on the whole community.
"Income that is earned by these employees is vital to the social and economic well-being of the rural community, because if you are receiving less money, you're spending less money in the community," said MacDonald.
"Our concern is, of course, with our customers, because it could impact the customer service."
The plans aren't finalized yet. Canada Post will meet with the union on June 24 to further discuss the issue.