Charities face severe funding shortfalls amid Canada Post strike

In Canada, a strike by Canada Post workers began on November 15, 2024, coinciding with the crucial holiday shopping season. This walkout has led to halted deliveries of letters and packages, creating significant backlogs with alternative courier services, which are charging higher delivery rates. Many small business owners who relied on Canada Post have reported increased shipping expenses. For instance, Stephanie Howarth, owner of Kanel Spices, stated that UPS had charged her double the usual rates. Charities are particularly affected since the holiday season is pivotal for their fundraising efforts. Many organizations depend on donations during this time, contributing to their annual budgets. Due to the strike, some charities have seen a drop in donations, risking their financial stability. As the delay continues without resolution, there are concerns about lasting damage to retailers and the charity sector. With ongoing negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers still unresolved, many fear that government intervention might be required to end the labor dispute. The situation has created not just financial burdens but also an increase in delivery scams, exploiting the confusion among consumers regarding their packages.