The article summarizes the challenges faced by Canada Post and recommends some actions to improve the financial situation of the organization.

Appropriate Subject Area(s):

Marketing, consumer studies, finance, competition

Key Questions to Explore:

• Canada Post is continuously challenged by new and improved e-commerce processes. How does an organization in this situation continue to survive and serve?

Introduction to lesson and task:

This lesson will encourage students to use diverse thinking to solve a complex problem.

Action (lesson plan and task):

• Ask students if they have home delivery of mail or if they fetch their mail from a community mail box. Discuss the merits and downside of each.
• Post the first two paragraphs of the article without the headline on the projector, ending with “transformational changes must be brought to bear.”
• Ask students to read these paragraphs, then using Think Pair Share, have them use a T-chart to outline the positive and negative impacts of:
  • Charging for home delivery
  • Reducing the number of delivery days
  • Hiking the price of stamps
• Have them discuss these options and what is meant by transformational change.
• After a class discussion, distribute the balance of the article for the students to read.
• Using Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats, have students discuss the Canada Post situation.
• In small groups, have students develop two or three recommendations, each with a rationale to support Canada Post’s transformation to success.
• Have each group report to the class one of its recommendations with the rationale.

Consolidation of Learning:

• Have each student prepare a letter to Public Services Minister Judy Foote outlining one of the recommendations with the rationale that supports it to influence the shape of Canada Post tomorrow.

Success Criteria:

• Students understand the issue and are able to write a cohesive letter to the Minister clearly outlining a solution with a rationale.

Confirming Activity:

• Organize the class into two sides.  Have students debate the following topic:
• Canada Post is no longer relevant to a digital economy.