Marie Michael Library
Mabou Fights Back
In 1986, the Canadian government privatized the postal service and approved the closure of nearly 5000 rural post offices. The loss of the post office located in Mabou, Cape Breton, would have been devastating to the local economy. Rallies were held, petitions were signed, letters were sent and people organized. Canada Post brought in their public relations people to pacify the community. A compromise was reached after the community's efforts generated national attention and overwhelming support. They were allowed to run the post office themselves as a community owned and operated business, with Canada Post subsidizing the operations.