QMI Agency Files

OTTAWA — Cost-cutting measures might be on the horizon at Canada Post, which is losing hundreds of millions of dollars a year and falling deeper into the red.

A CTV report Thursday said mail delivery could be cut to three days a week, and as many as 6,500 Canada Post outlets could be closed across Canada.

In a written statement, the Crown corporation said it's looking for ways to improve operation efficiency while reducing costs.

Though he refused to provide details, Infrastructure Minister Denis did not deny the media report in an interview with QMI.

"We have to deal realistically with the current financial situation," he said in Ottawa on Thursday. The people who run Canada Post will do their jobs. We, as a government, we will make sure ... that Canadians continue to have a good service."

Canada Post has made major cuts in recent years. Thirty post offices will be closed this year across the country.

The Canadian Union of Workers (CUPW) was incredulous at the prospect of further cuts.

"It would be totally unjustified," spokesman Sylvain Lapointe told QMI Agency. "The postal service ... belongs to the people and we have a duty to deliver the mail at all times."

CUPW says it has not heard confirmation about a reduction in mail delivery days.

Ottawa intervened in 2011 to stop a labour dispute at Canada Post and the opposition says the Conservatives should step in again to halt any budget cuts.