The ongoing strike at Canada Post has exposed not only the financial instability of the Crown corporation but also the political maneuvering behind the scenes. While some Canadians sympathize with postal workers, most simply want the strike to end quickly. Small and medium-sized businesses—already struggling under high taxes—are bearing the brunt of this disruption.
On this blog, we have consistently argued that Canada Post should not be privatized, but it must be accountable to Canadians through the election cycle. That means rethinking its structure: Canada Post should focus solely on postal services, while rural delivery contracts should be opened to private contractors bidding on the infrastructure taxpayers already built. This would drive down costs, increase efficiency, and make the system more accountable.
CUPW’s Role and Government’s Hand
While the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is creating immediate financial challenges, the deeper problem originates with the federal government. CUPW negotiator Jim Gallant revealed the union’s mindset when he said: “Government can’t be insolvent.” This statement reflects the belief that Ottawa has unlimited money and will always bail them out.
Joël Lightbound initially announced sweeping changes to Canada Post, likely under direction from Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has been alarmed at losses of $10 million per day. According to Canada Post officials, they were blindsided. If they had been warned in advance, they almost certainly would have pulled back their previous offer and shifted toward offering retirement packages instead.
This set the stage for CUPW’s strike, with the union portraying itself as fighting “extreme” reforms imposed by Ottawa.
Patty Hajdu Steps In
With Joël Lightbound now out of the spotlight, Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has taken over the government’s messaging. On Monday, she urged Canada Post to table a new offer quickly and called on CUPW to respond seriously.
In her words:
“This union and corporation have to figure out the future of their workforce together and how they’re going to actually, together, transform Canada Post to be a viable, sustainable Crown corporation. There is no time to be wasted here by either the corporation, or the union, once that offer is tabled.”
Her comments came after Ottawa announced drastic reforms:
- Ending daily home mail delivery.
- Closing some rural post offices.
- Expanding community mailboxes.
Unsurprisingly, CUPW condemned these measures as a “direct attack” on workers and escalated to a full strike.
Financial Reality
The numbers are grim. An industrial inquiry commission earlier this year concluded Canada Post was effectively insolvent. The Crown corporation itself admits it has been burning through $10 million per day in losses during the summer months.
The federal government has already provided support in recent years, but the new measures are designed to reduce taxpayer burden. Canada Post insists a “significant gap” still exists between its proposals and CUPW’s demands.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has warned the strike will have a “massive impact” on small businesses. Yet they also urged Ottawa to hold firm and push ahead with reforms.
Political Calculations
The standoff increasingly looks like a game of blame-shifting. Under Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, the Minister of Labour already has authority to intervene in industrial disputes and override the right to strike in the name of industrial peace. That’s where this situation is heading.
But for now, Canadian businesses are forced to wait while Ottawa and CUPW posture. The irony is that Canada Post workers make up only about 55,000 votes nationally—a rounding error for Mark Carney’s Liberals. By contrast, small and medium-sized businesses represent the backbone of Canada’s tax base, and they cannot relocate as easily as multinational corporations. But thes private businesses can go BANKRUPT, which could lead to a currency and pension crisis(we’ll save this for another post).
The longer the strike drags on, the more damage will be done to tax revenues, business confidence, and ordinary Canadians.
Conclusion
Canada Post’s problems are not just about mail delivery—they reflect the consequences of government mismanagement, union overreach, and a lack of accountability to voters. CUPW may believe the government has “unlimited money,” but reality is catching up.
In the end, this is about responsibility—something unions and governments often try to avoid. And as Christians, we are reminded that accountability is central to faith. Leaders and workers alike are called to serve with honesty, humility, and stewardship.
Consider making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior today. Governments, unions, and corporations will fail, but Christ never fails.
