The strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers has shut down operations at Canada Post for two weeks, with no tangible resolution foreseeable in the immediate future.

News outlets are editorializing and reporting on these stories. Statements have been issued by organizations and associations representing business sectors including the BC Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses, and the Retail Council of Canada. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce published a letter to Ministers MacKinnon and Duclos.

These are not individual voices; it is a chorus of hundreds of thousands. As this labour disruption enters week three and one of the most crucial times of year for businesses and charities, our members and the community turn to us for advocacy. We listen, and we call for action.

The Kelowna Chamber supports collective bargaining and employee rights to a fair and healthy working environment. We also stand with business owners – including the solo entrepreneurs, family-owned shops, generational businesses, and other small businesses. In all of this, the non-profit sector is also hit hard when the business community around it faces such a devastating blow.

British Columbia has more small businesses per capita than any other province, accounting for 98% of all businesses[1]. Their health and economic prosperity are our collective health and economic prosperity – these businesses are our jobs, allowing us to support our own communities & charitable organizations.

We echo the chorus of voices around us, calling on federal government to work with stakeholders to resolve this dispute. The cost of this inaction is too steep for our small businesses, charitable organizations, and our communities.

 

George Greenwood, CEO

Maryse Harvey, President & Chair of the Board

Kelowna Chamber of Commerce

[1] BC Stats and the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Small Business Profile: 2023 Highlights

How Individuals Can Help Small Businesses & Charities

  • Look for local or regional alternatives to online purchasing
  • Pay with cash or by debit when possible, to avoid the retailer paying higher credit card fees
  • If purchasing locally online, offer to pick up in-store
  • Offer to pick up items for neighbours and carpool (or take transit) when shopping locally
  • Consider charitable donation by e-transfer if available, or drop off a cheque in person
  • Ask charitable organizations what else they require (if not a cash donation)

Write To Your Member of Parliament

Use this tool to find your local Member of Parliament and write them a letter.

How Can We Help?

We want to hear from you. Please share your concerns with us at communications@kelownachamber.org. If we know of another business in our network that can help you, we'd love to help you make a connection.