Over 55,000 Canada Post employees represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) began a national strike today, halting postal services across Canada just as the holiday season approaches. This disruption poses significant challenges for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Saskatchewan, which rely heavily on Canada Post for their daily operations.

98.9% of businesses in Saskatchewan are small businesses, and the majority of them rely on Canada Post to reach their customers. For many, it is the primary or only option for shipping products, especially in rural areas. Without access to this critical service, businesses are forced to turn to alternative shipping methods, which are often more expensive. Most SMEs also lack extensive logistics networks, leaving them with few options to navigate this disruption. These added costs and challenges strain their operations, making it harder to compete during an already busy holiday season.

The Chamber is urging Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, to act swiftly to resolve the labour dispute and restore postal services. SMEs are the backbone of Saskatchewan’s economy, and their ability to operate smoothly is essential for the province’s economic health. Without timely intervention, the effects of this disruption could weaken the small-business sector and ripple through the economy for months to come.