Mail delivery company Canada Post argued that it will not cover for the damages to a certain package after it was found that the contents were broken, reasoning that its insurance coverage does not apply to items considered “fragile.”
George Langlois, from Toronto, had mailed a package filled with the belongings of his late girlfriend, Louise Arseneau, back to her family through the postal operator. To ensure the safety of the shipment, Langlois had purchased insurance from Canada Post.
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Arseneau’s sister Doris Arsenau, who had traveled to Toronto from New Brunswick to help Langlois pack, even ensured that the package was not only properly packed, but labeled as well.
“It was well-packed… bubble wrapped… made sure she put towels around it and all that,” Langlois told CBC News.
When the package finally arrived, its contents – which included Royal Doulton figurines and other personal items – were all smashed.
"When I went for the second piece and the third piece, and it was like, you know, a lot of broken items. I just couldn’t believe it," Doris said.
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A spokesperson from Canada Post, however, said that its insurance does not cover anything the company considers fragile.
“Canada Post shall have no liability for damage of shipments containing fragile items,” the company’s general terms and conditions read on its website.
The insurance will cover for a lost package, but not for a damaged one. Langlois claimed that the postal company did not elaborate on how its insurance worked.
“You should have a system that explains to your customers that they don’t cover fragile items,” he said.
Canada Post has offered to refund the $105 Langlois paid for shipping and insurance. The company is also urging other customers to fully understand the coverage Canada Post offers.
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