MONTREAL — Charities across Quebec are facing steep financial losses as the Canada Post labour dispute disrupts mail delivery during the critical holiday giving season.
Rotating strikes and service delays have slowed down donation mail, leaving organizations that rely heavily on postal contributions struggling to stay afloat.
“It’s affecting us a lot. And it’s not the first time,” said Catherine Harel Bourdon, CEO of Little Brothers, a charity that supports seniors over 75.
She said nearly 70 per cent of annual donations arrive between October and December, and during a previous mail strike, the group lost $200,000 in contributions — a shortfall they now fear could repeat.
Critical Holiday Season Impact
The PalliAmi Foundation, which provides care for palliative patients, is facing a similar challenge.
“It’s big. It’s really big,” said executive director Line Bellavance, adding that postal delays cost the foundation $40,000 to $50,000 last year.
The strikes come after nearly two years of tense negotiations between Canada Post and its unionized workers, who launched rotating walkouts following a nationwide strike in September.
Donations Delayed, Services Cut
Some postal workers acknowledge the toll the disruptions are taking on charities.
“It’s really too bad that there are charities and people that definitely need their stuff that are not getting it,” said mail carrier Lorenzo Baliello.
He suggested that organizations move toward digital donations, though many charities say their older donors prefer mail and are wary of online fraud.
“They postpone their donation or they don’t donate at all,” Bellavance said.
The result: declining funds and reduced services for those most in need.
“It’s affecting real people in their lives,” said Bourdon. “We’re doing our best to serve our clients, but the impact is serious.”
Call for Swift Resolution
Charities across the province are urging Canada Post and the union to reach a deal soon, warning that ongoing disruptions could cripple year-end fundraising efforts.
For now, organizations say they’re doing what they can — expanding online and phone options while hoping for a stable and reliable postal system before the holidays arrive.
