Editorial: Canada sends lessons on 21st century mail

The U.S. Postal Service and Canada Post have the same problems of plummeting mail volume and stubborn fixed costs. The difference is that Canada Post is free to reinvent itself for the digital age. The USPS isn't and so is dying a slow death. That's just senseless.

Canada Post said Wednesday it will end most home mail delivery over the next five years. Residents of cities and suburbs will pick up their mail at community mailboxes. That's an extreme measure, but the USPS desperately needs that kind of flexibility. It lost $5 billion this fiscal year, its seventh in the red. Congress, however, has refused to authorize changes sought by postal officials -- for instance, an end to Saturday delivery and freedom to expand its products and services. The USPS doesn't spend tax dollars. It's expected to operate like a business. Congress should let it.