For the unions, the logic is familiar: weaken the service then offer it to the private sector. "Public services are cut until they lose their relevance. After that, the public is told, 'You see, you're paying too much for this. We're going to cut these services,'" insists Bélisle. For his part, Brodeur reiterates the usefulness of the public postal network: "People realize this. It costs $70 to send a letter to Hamilton through private companies."

They accuse Ottawa of not investing and of preparing to transfer services to private companies. They also mention the rise of Intelcom in the parcel business and point out that it belongs to the brother of Mélanie Joly, a minister in the Carney government.

"It's media spin to make the public believe that Canada Post is a sick animal that needs to be put out of its misery," says Brodeur.