Letter to MP Barrett regarding the Postal Strike and the Impact to the Business/Non for Profit Community.

October 2, 2025

The Honourable Michael Barrett, M.P.

House of Commons

Ottawa, Ontario

K1A 0A6

Dear Mr. Barrett,

On behalf of the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce  and our members, I am writing to express our deep concern regarding the current Canada Post strike and its harmful impact on businesses, non-profits, and communities across our region.

As Ontario Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Daniel Tisch recently stated:

“A Canada Post strike is the last thing Canada’s businesses and workers need right now. In a slow economy, businesses can’t afford repeated stoppages that delay shipments, cut revenue, and threaten jobs. With 80% of small businesses relying on Canada Post for deliveries, invoicing, and payments, a strike hits them hard and fast. And in many communities, they have no alternatives. It’s time to be realistic and responsible – and that means an immediate resolution to this strike. Once that is achieved, we expect government, industry, and communities to work together on sustainable solutions that protect service continuity and Canada’s economic stability.”

Locally, the impacts are already being felt in very real and immediate ways. Non-profits and charities, who depend heavily on Canada Post for their fundraising appeals, donor communications, and tax receipting, are struggling to connect with supporters at a time when demand for services is rising. Missed or delayed campaigns mean lost donations, which directly affects food banks, shelters, and other essential organizations serving our most vulnerable residents.

Small businesses are equally affected. One example comes from Kingston’s Finest Marketing Group, which mails out over 4.5 million pieces of advertising material annually. The company, which has operated successfully for more than 20 years and employs seven people locally, relies on Canada Post for distributing its magazines and targeted marketing cards. As one employee explained:

“That we have to deal with a second strike, in less than a year, is unacceptable. The effects of this strike are hitting many small businesses, ours included, very hard. My boss has expanded to a number of advertising products, all of which go through Canada Post. How is he supposed to pay us our salaries, and make a living for himself, if his business is in effect shut down for an uncertain amount of time? We are tired of feeling ‘held hostage’ to Canada Post.”

This example reflects what many of our members are experiencing — uncertainty, financial strain, and frustration — all while still recovering from the previous strike and other economic challenges.

We respectfully urge you and your colleagues in Parliament to take immediate action to support a swift resolution to this strike. Beyond resolving the immediate crisis, we call on the federal government to work closely with business and community stakeholders to ensure sustainable, long-term solutions that guarantee reliable service. Postal service continuity is not only essential to the functioning of businesses, but also to the non-profit sector, which provides critical supports that strengthen our communities.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter and for your continued support of the business and non-profit communities in Leeds-Grenville-Thousands Islands – Rideau Lakes.

Sincerely,

Pamela Robertson

Executive Director

Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce