The Canadian Stamp Dealers Association (CSDA) has issued an urgent appeal to federal leaders and Canada Post executives, calling for a swift resolution to the ongoing strike by members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).
The strike, which began on Nov. 15, 2024, has disrupted postal operations across the country, causing significant financial harm to the stamp industry and other small businesses that rely heavily on Canada Post for their operations.
In a letter addressed to Public Services and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon, and Canada Post President and CEO Doug Ettinger, the CSDA highlighted the devastating impact of the strike on the philatelic trade. The association emphasized that the stamp industry, part of a billion-dollar-a-year business in North America, is at risk due to the prolonged disruption.
“The strike is having a devastating impact on Canada’s philatelic community, particularly on the members of the CSDA, and is hastening the decline of our postal service—a cornerstone of our nation’s history and heritage,” wrote CSDA President Angelo Komatsoulis.
Economic and Cultural Consequences
The CSDA outlined three primary concerns caused by the strike:
- Economic Harm: Small businesses and stamp dealers, who rely on Canada Post for shipping and receiving goods, are experiencing significant financial losses. Many are being forced to seek alternative shipping solutions that may not be sustainable long-term.
- Cultural Decline: The disruptions threaten the viability of philately, an activity deeply tied to Canada’s national heritage. Collectors, dealers, and hobbyists face increasing challenges in maintaining their operations.
- Erosion of Trust: The strike is undermining public confidence in Canada Post, prompting businesses to turn to private carriers, potentially causing a permanent shift in logistics and postal preferences.
A Call for Decisive Action
The CSDA acknowledged the importance of fair negotiations and workers’ rights but stressed the urgency of resolving the dispute to protect the philatelic community and the small businesses that support it. “Prolonged disruptions in service are having far-reaching consequences,” the letter stated, urging government officials and Canada Post to prioritize restoring full operations.
The CSDA noted that the stamp industry has already faced challenges in recent years, including shifts in consumer habits and declining use of traditional mail. A prolonged postal strike could further exacerbate these issues, jeopardizing the future of the industry.
A Billion-Dollar Industry at Stake
As part of a North American philatelic trade valued at over $1 billion annually, the Canadian stamp market is a key contributor to both the economy and cultural preservation. Dealers and collectors alike rely on reliable postal services to trade, source, and distribute stamps, making the strike particularly disruptive.
The CSDA urged leaders to act swiftly, stating, “The future of our postal service—and the communities and industries that rely on it—depends on decisive action.”
The association awaits a response from the ministers and Canada Post, hoping for updates on steps being taken to address the crisis. The CSDA and its members stress that a quick resolution is vital to ensuring the livelihood of the stamp industry and the small businesses intertwined with it.