Several Indigenous-owned businesses in Ottawa are facing challenges in finding alternative shipping solutions for their products amid the ongoing Canada Post strike, now in its third week. Many of these businesses cater to customers in rural, remote, and northern Indigenous communities, where Canada Post is often the primary courier service. The strike, initiated by postal workers represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) on September 25, has disrupted mail delivery services.
Stephanie Peltier, the owner of Delia Estelle Designs, a custom beaded jewelry company in Ottawa, is among those affected. Peltier highlighted that approximately 30% of her Canadian clients reside in rural Indigenous communities that rely on P.O. boxes for mail delivery. The current strike, along with a previous one in November last year, has significantly impacted her business and other Indigenous artisans, especially those in rural areas.
According to Peltier, the disruption has not only delayed orders but also caused frustration among customers. To mitigate the effects, she is exploring alternative shipping options based on her customers’ locations.
‘A significant challenge’
Mya Beaudry, the 14-year-old founder and CEO of Kokom Scrunchies, faced a similar predicament during the previous strike. Her business, which produces scrunchies, lanyards, shoelaces, and travel bags, ships nationally, with a substantial portion of clients residing in northern Indigenous communities.
Following the challenges posed by the strike, Kokom Scrunchies secured agreements with North West Co. Inc., a company operating numerous grocery stores in remote areas, and another courier service in September to ensure uninterrupted delivery services in case of future disruptions.
Beaudry expressed little inclination to revert to Canada Post for shipping services in the foreseeable future.
Rotating strikes in progress
Canada Post workers have transitioned from nationwide strikes to rotating strikes, causing mail delivery delays. Despite the shift, a CUPW negotiator warned that national strikes could resume at any time. Although postal services are expected to resume soon, Canada Post has suspended service guarantees due to the unpredictable nature of rotating strikes.
Peltier welcomed the move to rotating strikes as a positive step. Notably, both Canada Post and CUPW declined interview requests from CBC Ottawa.