News Releases

Recent survey confirms what many Canadians already suspected... men are more likely to forget birthdays than women!

May 2, 2005

This may come as no surprise to some Canadians, but a recent survey conducted by Decima Research Inc.* found that men were more likely to forget a loved one's birthday (40% men vs. 27% women) and then make excuses for having done so (13%). The survey also found that 34% of Canadians admit to occasionally forgetting a loved one's birthday, a number which jumps to 64% when including those who, on rare occasion, have forgotten a family member or friend's birthday. The survey was conducted on behalf of Canada Post for the launch of its online birthday reminder service. The Never Forget-A-Birthday-Alert will assist Canadians in remembering the birthdays of all the important people in their lives.

The survey also looked at how Canadians prefer to receive birthday greetings. Results indicated that 70% of Canadians would prefer to receive a card in the mail for their birthday, instead of an email greeting. Canada Post research confirms that birthdays are the second largest sending occasion after Christmas.

To register with the Never-Forget-A-Birthday-Alert, people should visit www.canadapost.ca/birthday and complete the online forms. Once registered, Canada Post will make sure they never forget a birthday again! Registrants of the Never-Forget-A-Birthday-Alert will receive email reminders 14, seven and finally four days prior to an upcoming birthday. In addition, the alert will also suggest mailing options appropriate for sending cards or gifts to ensure that the birthday boy or girl receives their surprise before blowing out the candles on their cake.

Those who register between May 2 and July 31 might win a birthday gift of their own... $1,000 on their birthday - for life! Full contest rules and regulations are available on the birthday alert website (www.canadapost.ca/birthday).

Canada Post also offers some fun and imaginative ways to send birthday wishes. From playful Tickelopes, special birthday gift wrap and packaging, to birthday cards and a variety of mailing options, the post office makes it easy to send birthday smiles to friends or family, whether they live across town, in another province or around the world.

*Data was collected between March 31st and April 4th 2005 through the Decima teleVox, a national omnibus telephone survey conducted weekly with 1000 Canadians. Results of the survey are accurate to within +/- 3.1% 19 times out of 20.