It’s often said, “You learn something new every day.” Many Canadians were surprised to discover that Canada Post workers earn extra income for delivering unaddressed direct mail—what most of us call junk mail. Now, with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) announcing a ban on the delivery of Neighbourhood Mail, the tension between Canada Post, its employees, and the federal government has entered a new chapter.
On the surface, the idea of no more junk mail may put smiles on Canadian faces. Yet beneath this dispute lies a deeper economic and cultural challenge that cannot be ignored.
The Dispute at Hand
CUPW announced that as of September 15, 2025, postal workers will refuse to deliver Neighbourhood Mail. While addressed letters, bills, and parcels will continue to move, businesses relying on flyers, promotions, and local advertising will be cut off.
For many Canadians, this may not sound like a loss. But the reality is more complex. Small and medium-sized businesses—the backbone of our economy—still depend heavily on low-cost mail advertising. The removal of this service means higher marketing costs, which often get passed along to consumers in the form of price increases.
Large corporations, with digital alternatives already in place, will weather the storm. Smaller enterprises, however, may suffer significantly. What CUPW calls “leverage” looks more like pressure on the very businesses and families already struggling with inflation.
The Risk of Strike and Collapse
History shows that Canada Post has threatened strikes during peak times, particularly around Christmas. Should this battle escalate beyond junk mail to all forms of delivery, Canadians could face delays in receiving essential items:
- Personal letters and legal documents
- Debit or credit cards
- Cheques for those who do not use direct deposit
- International money transfers for those who cannot rely on banks
These services once represented Canada Post’s foundation. But with digital alternatives growing and corporations bypassing Canada Post entirely, its influence and leverage are eroding with each passing year.
Inflation, Deflation, and the Small Business Squeeze
Economically, the issue cuts both ways. On one side, higher costs for advertising push inflation upward, especially for small and medium businesses. On the other, those same businesses may be forced to cut back, shut down, or downsize—causing deflationary pressures as jobs and economic activity disappear.
It is a paradox: policies and disputes intended to “protect workers” may end up harming both workers and consumers, while weakening the very institution—Canada Post—that CUPW seeks to defend.
A Christian Reflection
From a Christian perspective, this moment is a reminder of the dangers of placing trust in man-made systems. Governments, unions, and corporations often operate from self-interest. They make promises of fairness, prosperity, or stability, but inevitably disappoint.
Proverbs 22:7 warns: “The borrower is servant to the lender.” In Canada today, inflation, debt, and dependence on centralized systems leave many families and businesses enslaved to forces beyond their control. Whether through government policy or union action, ordinary Canadians are left carrying the burden.
The Apostle Paul urged believers in Colossians 3:23: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” If we as Christians would approach work and negotiation with this heart, the spirit of conflict, greed, and division could be replaced by cooperation and truth.
The True Answer
The CUPW dispute may drag on. Canada Post may shrink further. Politicians may make promises. Yet none of these provide the lasting hope that Canadians need. Our true rest, stability, and future are found not in unions or governments, but in Jesus Christ.
As services falter and systems fail, the invitation remains: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).
Consider making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior today. He is the only one who can deliver us from the uncertainty of man’s systems and give us the eternal assurance of His Kingdom.