AMC Urges Resolution to Ongoing Postal Strike Impacting First Nations
December 10, 2024
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is calling for an expedited resolution to the postal strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), which began on November 15, 2024. The disruption is causing significant hardships for First Nations that rely on Canada Post for essential services.
In a letter from the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, the AMC was informed earlier in December of efforts by the federal government to facilitate negotiations between Canada Post and CUPW. The letter also highlighted the scope of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) ensuring the delivery of socio-economic cheques, such as Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan, and Canada Child Benefit. However, the agreement does not extend to other essential deliveries, such as medications and vital correspondence, leaving many communities vulnerable.
“Canada Post plays a critical role in connecting First Nations to the resources they need. The ongoing strike has disproportionately affected our nations, where access to services is already limited,” said Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy. “We urge Canada Post, CUPW, and the federal government to work swiftly toward a resolution that prioritizes the needs of First Nations and rural communities.”
The AMC emphasizes that this disruption highlights the systemic inequities faced by First Nations, particularly regarding access to essential services. The AMC remain committed to advocating for equitable solutions that address these challenges.
The AMC calls on the public to support a fair and swift resolution to the strike to ensure that First Nations and all rural communities regain access to the critical services they rely on.
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For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of all 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe, Nehetho / Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.