Persistent postal strike threatens small business during critical holiday season

This statement is attributable to Ruhee Ismail-Teja, Vice President, Policy & External Affairs.

“The Canada Post strike is more than a disruption to mail services or a logistical challenge — it's a serious risk to Canada's economy, especially during the critical holiday season. It’s anticipated that one in four Canadians shopped on Black Friday and 36% plan to shop on Cyber Monday, and many business owners rely on this season to meet the sales and revenue targets for the year.

“Eighty per cent of small businesses currently rely on Canada Post for essential operations like shipping and invoicing. They are now facing delays, higher costs and reputational damage as a result of the ongoing labour dispute. While alternatives exist, they are often more expensive and less accessible for many, particularly small businesses, which already face challenges like rising costs and inflation. Further, small businesses often rely more heavily on just-in-time inventory and are often more dependent on e-commerce to reach customers.

“We call for an immediate resolution to this strike to prevent further disruptions to supply chains, business operations and economic growth. We also encourage Calgarians to shop in-store where they can. This is not just a great way to explore the city, it is an investment in the community: for every dollar spent at a small business, 66 cents on average stays local, compared to 11 cents when consumers shop at a large multinational business.”

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The Calgary Chamber of Commerce exists to help businesses reach their potential. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.

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