The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says the Canada Post strike has cost the small and medium-sized business sector at least $765 million or $76.6 million each business day. CFIB conducted a flash survey on the impact of the Canada Post strike overall they say 69 per cent of small business owners want the government to introduce back-to-work legislation. The strike has also impacted three quarters of small businesses. Among those, 41 per cent reported cost impacts totaling $2,000 in lost orders, more expensive delivery alternatives, late payments and the inability to promote their business at a crucial time of year.

They provided some specific examples pointing to a bookkeeping service business in Alberta has funds stuck at the post office as the shop’s receivables are all sent via mail from insurance companies. And a seed supplier in Prince Edward Island, that has been dependent on Canada Post for 86 years, has over 270,000 catalogues that cannot be mailed via a bulk service. It’s now facing substantial storage fees for the large volume of printed materials and says orders for Christmas will be low.