Canada Post Can Adjust Stamp Rates

Summary#

This Order brings into force Division 2 of Part 5 of the Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 1, which changes how postage rates are set. It lets Canada Post adjust stamp and postage rates without needing approval from the Governor in Council, effective on the day the order was made (June 22, 2026, registered July 1, 2026).

What it does#

• Brings into force Division 2 of Part 5 of the Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 1 (the change received royal assent on March 26, 2026).
• Lets Canada Post set and adjust postage rates without going through the previous Governor in Council regulatory approval step.
• Keeps a legal requirement that rates be fair, reasonable and provide, with other revenue, enough money to cover operational costs.
• Removes the older multi-step approval process that included prepublication, a 30-day public comment period, a ministerial recommendation and took about four- to six-months overall.
• Requires Canada Post to run a transparent notification and consultation process before increases, including stakeholder communication, public consultations, Board review, and written justification.
• Preserves special protections for free postage for people who are blind or partially sighted and reduced rates for library materials.

Who's affected#

• Canada Post, which gains quicker authority to change postage rates.
• People and businesses that buy postage and send mail — they may see prices change more quickly.
• People who rely on special postage services, such as those who are blind or partially sighted, and libraries — the changes include protections for these services.
• The federal government and taxpayers indirectly, since the change is intended to help Canada Post be more financially self-sufficient.

Why it matters#

• Postage prices can be changed faster to match Canada Post’s costs, so stamp prices may become more responsive to budget pressures and mail volume trends.
• The change aims to reduce administrative delay and help Canada Post rely less on public money.
• Consumers and organizations that send mail should watch for public notices from Canada Post before rate increases, and for any consultations the corporation runs.