News releases

Ottawa (ON) – With some 1,250 Canadian Forces members deployed on overseas operations this year, Canada Post is reiterating its offer to friends and families of Canadian troops serving overseas to send their holiday letters and parcels for free. It’s the seventh consecutive year that the program has been offered.

Last year, from October 17, 2011 until the end of January 2012 close to 40,000 kilograms of mail were sent to our deployed troops, the majority of which was sent through the Free Mail to the Troops program. This year Canada Post will accept regular parcels free of charge to designated Canadian Forces Bases overseas from October 15, 2012 until January 11, 2013. Lettermail weighing up to 500 grams to deployed troops can be sent free of charge until December 31, 2013.

"We are proud of the men and women serving our country abroad at all times, but especially during the holiday season,” said the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport). “Canada Post’s Free Mail to the Troops program helps to bring some special holiday cheer to our Canadian Forces stationed around the world.”

“As Canadian Forces personnel continue to proudly serve on overseas missions throughout the globe, the importance mail plays in maintaining the morale of our personnel is paramount, particularly during the holiday season,” said Brigadier General Lowell Thomas. “The excellent relationship between Canada Post and the Department of National Defence significantly contributes in maintaining this essential link between our deployed troops and their loved ones. The Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence sincerely appreciate the continued support provided by Canada Post to facilitate the shipment of mail to our deployed Canadian Forces members."

With capacity limitations on military aircraft carrying supplies to deployed forces, this offer is extended to only family and friends of the deployed service men and women serving overseas, including in war zones. That includes members of the Canadian Forces serving at locations such as Afghanistan, Haiti, Middle East and South Sudan. Canadian Forces members serving on any of the deployed Her Majesty's Canadian Ships are also included in the offer.

“Our employees take special pride in supporting our troops stationed overseas by helping to connect them to their families during the holiday season,” adds Deepak Chopra, CEO of Canada Post. “We are pleased to offer this service and wish our troops a safe holiday season.”

Parcels and letters must be addressed to a specific soldier, and include rank and mission information. They must also be directed to the appropriate ship and/or Canadian Forces Base. Once delivered to the designated base, the Canadian Forces Postal Service will take charge of the items and ensure their delivery overseas. Senders can purchase additional options for their parcels, such as coverage for loss or damage and signature.

In order to ensure the proper customs declaration forms and addressing information are provided, parcels and letters should be deposited at any one of Canada Post's 6,500 full-service retail outlets across the country. Items dropped in a street letter box are at risk of being returned to sender or considered undeliverable if they do not contain proper documentation or addressing information.