I'm noticing that packages sent within Canada are taking at least twice as long as they should be (according to Canada Post's own standards).

It also costs 2 to 6 times as much to send a small package within Canada as it does to send the same item to the US or internationally.

And even the lower priced service to the US and internationally is much more expensive than the same and/or better service going out of the US using their postal service.

On top of that, if you try using Canada Post's web site to send something you might consider lettermail, such as a magazine, you'll end up paying up to $12 to ship it because the online tools will not give you lettermail nor letterpost rates. As soon as something is considered a "package," even if it's in the exact same envelope, you're going to pay a lot more for it.