Canada Post has closed a loophole that allowed Nunavut residents to get free shipping on Amazon Prime, a move that has caused concern among residents who rely on the service to access affordable groceries. The closure of the loophole, which involved slightly altering postal codes, is expected to significantly increase grocery bills for people in the territory, which already faces some of the highest food costs and rates of food insecurity in Canada.
The price difference between local grocery stores and Amazon can be substantial. For example, a can of tomatoes that costs $10 locally can be purchased for much less through Amazon. The loophole allowed residents to bypass the high shipping fees that are typically associated with deliveries to remote areas.
Canada Post justifies the closure by stating that incorrect addresses cause delays and inefficiencies in the mailing system. However, residents argue that they are not seeking free shipping, but rather reasonable prices. A recent online order for $100 worth of groceries incurred an additional $167 in shipping fees.
The issue has sparked a petition calling for Amazon Prime to extend its free shipping services to all communities in the North. The petition highlights the importance of affordable goods for residents in remote areas. It also calls for Amazon to better understand the realities of living in the North, where access to affordable goods is crucial for survival.
