Canada Post, long valued for its reliable service in rural areas and affordable international shipping, is now inching closer to a possible strike as tensions rise and negotiations stall.
The federal government's Industrial Inquiry Commission on May 16, 2025, released a critical report calling Canada Post "effectively insolvent”.
The commission found that the Crown corporation lost $748 million in 2023 alone. It warned that Canada Post may not survive in its current form unless serious changes are made.
The report urges major reforms, including:
The current labour contract expires on May 22, 2025, and negotiations have stalled. Canada Post says it needs time to prepare better proposals, but CUPW fears job losses and service cuts. A nationwide postal strike is possible if a deal isn't reached soon.
Canadians, especially small businesses, are right to worry. Mail and parcel delays could cause serious disruptions in e-commerce business. But there are reliable alternatives if you want to avoid depending solely on Canada Post in case a Canada Post strike happens.
Here are some reliable courier services:
With a possible strike just days away, Canadians should act early to avoid disruptions, and ensure their parcels keep moving, even if Canada Post doesn't.
The federal government's Industrial Inquiry Commission on May 16, 2025, released a critical report calling Canada Post "effectively insolvent”.
The commission found that the Crown corporation lost $748 million in 2023 alone. It warned that Canada Post may not survive in its current form unless serious changes are made.
What the report recommends?
The report urges major reforms, including:
- Phasing out daily door-to-door delivery to reduce labour and operational costs
- Shifting focus to parcel delivery to compete with private couriers
- Renegotiating labour agreements with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW)
The current labour contract expires on May 22, 2025, and negotiations have stalled. Canada Post says it needs time to prepare better proposals, but CUPW fears job losses and service cuts. A nationwide postal strike is possible if a deal isn't reached soon.
What are your options?
Canadians, especially small businesses, are right to worry. Mail and parcel delays could cause serious disruptions in e-commerce business. But there are reliable alternatives if you want to avoid depending solely on Canada Post in case a Canada Post strike happens.
Here are some reliable courier services:
- Purolator – A trusted Canadian courier (partly owned by Canada Post), offering fast and dependable domestic shipping.
- FedEx – Ideal for time-sensitive and international parcels, with excellent tracking.
- UPS – Strong in both Canadian and global delivery services; known for reliability.
- Canpar Express – Cost-effective for ground shipping within Canada.
- DHL Express – A good choice for quick international shipments.
- Chit Chats – Perfect for small businesses shipping across borders at low rates.
- Stallion Express – Popular with e-commerce sellers for affordable and flexible delivery.
- Sendle – A growing, eco-friendly courier with carbon-neutral shipping.
Plan ahead
If you ship items regularly:- Compare courier prices and delivery times now
- Inform your customers of potential delays
- Choose services that meet your delivery and budget needs
With a possible strike just days away, Canadians should act early to avoid disruptions, and ensure their parcels keep moving, even if Canada Post doesn't.
