Postage rate increase proposed for January 2012

Canada Post would like to remind Canadians that the domestic basic letter rate will increase by 2 cents, from 59 cents to 61 cents, for standard letters weighing up to 30 grams, effective January 16, 2012. This is part of a five year pricing strategy announced in 2009.

Canada Post is also proposing the following rate increases to come into effect on January 16, 2012:

-$0.02 increase to $1.05 for domestic letters up to 50 grams;
-$0.02 to $0.15 increase for all other domestic letter weight categories, with the heavier categories incurring the larger increases;
-$0.02 increase to $1.05 for letters, cards and postcards up to 30 grams destined for the USA;
-$0.05 increase to $1.80 for letters, cards and postcards up to 30 grams sent to foreign destinations;
-$0.15 increase to $8.25 for domestic registered mail.

The price increases will help ensure that Canada Post’s costs in maintaining postal service across Canada will continue to be borne by people and businesses that use the postal service, rather than through taxpayer support. Even with the price increases, Canadians will continue to enjoy some of the lowest postage prices in the developed world.

Based on Canada Post estimates, the average Canadian household purchases 45 stamps a year. The two-cent increase to the price of a basic stamp in 2012 will translate into an annual increase in postage costs of less than $1 for the average Canadian household. Canadians and small businesses can save money by purchasing the PERMANENT™ Stamp before January 16. PERMANENT stamps are always valued at the going basic Lettermail™ rate.

Detailed information on these and other proposed rate changes will be published in the Canada Gazette Part I on May 14. Canadians will have 60 days in which to make representations to the Minister of Transport regarding the proposed rate increases.