Canada Post, long valued for its reliable service in rural areas and affordable international shipping, is now inching closer to a possible strike as tensions rise and negotiations stall.

The federal government's Industrial Inquiry Commission on May 16, 2025, released a critical report calling Canada Post "effectively insolvent”.

The commission found that the Crown corporation lost $748 million in 2023 alone. It warned that Canada Post may not survive in its current form unless serious changes are made.

What the report recommends?

The report urges major reforms, including:

• Phasing out daily door-to-door delivery to reduce labour and operational costs
  
• Shifting focus to parcel delivery to compete with private couriers
  
• Renegotiating labour agreements with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW)
  

The current labour contract expires on May 22, 2025, and negotiations have stalled. Canada Post says it needs time to prepare better proposals, but CUPW fears job losses and service cuts. A nationwide postal strike is possible if a deal isn't reached soon.

What are your options?

Canadians, especially small businesses, are right to worry. Mail and parcel delays could cause serious disruptions in e-commerce business. But there are reliable alternatives if you want to avoid depending solely on Canada Post in case a Canada Post strike happens.

Here are some reliable courier services:

• Purolator – A trusted Canadian courier (partly owned by Canada Post), offering fast and dependable domestic shipping.
  

• FedEx – Ideal for time-sensitive and international parcels, with excellent tracking.
  

• UPS – Strong in both Canadian and global delivery services; known for reliability.
  

• Canpar Express – Cost-effective for ground shipping within Canada.
  

• DHL Express – A good choice for quick international shipments.
  

• Chit Chats – Perfect for small businesses shipping across borders at low rates.
  

• Stallion Express – Popular with e-commerce sellers for affordable and flexible delivery.
  

• Sendle – A growing, eco-friendly courier with carbon-neutral shipping.
  

Plan ahead

If you ship items regularly:

• Compare courier prices and delivery times now
  

• Inform your customers of potential delays
  

• Choose services that meet your delivery and budget needs
  

With a possible strike just days away, Canadians should act early to avoid disruptions, and ensure their parcels keep moving, even if Canada Post doesn't.

FAQs

What is Canada Post known for?

Canada Post is known as Canada’s primary postal operator, providing reliable mail and parcel delivery services nationwide. It offers various shipping options with tracking, delivery guarantees, and convenient features like mail forwarding, package holding, and money transfer services through MoneyGram. It serves both personal and business customers across Canada.

Why do we even need Canada Post?

Many small businesses still rely on the postal system to deliver their products, send bills, receive payments and distribute promotional materials. A strong majority, about 80 per cent of small businesses rely on Canada Post services to do business, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

Which courier is the cheapest in Canada?

For shipping within Canada, Canada Post is often the cheapest option, particularly for regular parcels. Stallion Express notes that Canada Post's regular parcel service can be as low as $28.05. However, private couriers like UPS and Purolator offer faster options but at a higher cost.

Is Canada Post Cheap?

Yes, Canada Post offers affordable shipping options within Canada, especially for regular parcels, making it a cost-effective choice for many. However, prices vary by package size, weight, and speed. While often cheaper than private carriers, exploring alternatives can sometimes yield better rates, especially for bulk or international shipments.