Canada Post Strike: FAQs & Email Responses
Published/Updated: May 14, 2025
Canada Post (CPC) has announced a strike, beginning May 22, 2025, is likely.
We are providing this resource guide to help you effectively communicate with your customers. This nationwide strike will impact approximately 15% of our Canadian shipments, primarily affecting rural deliveries, DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) packages, and those destined for P.O. boxes. While we are actively rerouting shipments through alternative carriers where possible, some deliveries will inevitably be delayed until the strike ends.
This guide contains essential information, FAQs, and response templates to help you manage customer expectations and provide consistent, accurate information during this disruption.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will this strike impact shipments going through other carriers in Canada?
While the strike doesn’t directly impact other carriers, it is possible that other carriers will experience higher-than-normal shipping volumes, which can cause short delays.
Can I pick up my order from my local post office?
Due to the strike, many post offices and holding facilities will be non-operational, or the held packages may not have been sorted yet. Because of this, it will not be possible to pick up the affected packages, and you will need to wait for your order to be processed and delivered once the strike has ended.
If my package has been routed to Canada Post, can it be rerouted to a different carrier?
If a package has already been routed through Canada Post, we are unable to have it routed to a different last-mile carrier. If your package is routed through Canada Post, it is because this is still the best and most timely carrier option for packages going to your region.
If a package is delayed due to the strike, when will it be delivered?
During the most recent strike in December of 2024, Canada Post implemented a ‘first in, first out’ process for parcels. This means that parcels that arrived at their facilities before the strike started were delivered first, and those that arrived at their facilities later were delivered last. We will likely see a similar process once this strike has ended. While we cannot confirm when the packages will be delivered, we will do all we can to keep you up-to-date on the whereabouts of your package.
When will the strike end?
Strikes can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. We are unable to know the exact date by which the strike will end, but we will prioritize keeping our customers informed on any updates we receive.
SUGGESTED CUSTOMER EMAIL RESPONSES
Why is my shipment delayed?
Your package is currently affected by the Canada Post strike and will be held until the strike ends and regular service resumes. Unfortunately, we don’t have information about when the strike will end at this time.
Why did you use Canada Post for my shipment?
I understand your concern about using Canada Post during the strike. We work with a company, Passport Global, for all our international shipments. Passport uses several couriers in Canada to handle the local deliveries. However, some addresses can only be reached through Canada Post. This includes P.O. boxes, remote postal codes, and certain residential areas. Additionally, Canada Post is the only option for some service levels where duties and taxes are collected at delivery time.
When will I get my order? (If the shipment is routed to Canada Post)
Your shipment is currently in the Canada Post network and is on hold due to the ongoing strike. Unfortunately, we don’t have information about when the strike will end or when normal delivery service will resume. Your package is safely stored and will be delivered once Canada Post resumes operations. We’ll provide tracking updates as soon as packages start moving again.
Can you reroute my shipment through another carrier?
Unfortunately, once a package is routed through Canada Post, it cannot be retrieved or transferred to another delivery company. Canada Post facilities are currently not staffed to allow for package sorting or pickups during the strike.
Your package will be delivered shortly after Canada Post resumes operations, and we’ll keep you updated on any changes.
How do I know if my package was routed through Canada Post?
You can check the ‘your local delivery’ section on your tracking page to see which local carrier is being used to deliver your package. If this section lists Canada Post and your package is experiencing a delay, it is likely due to the strike.
Passport recommends informing your customers of potential delays to set expectations accordingly. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to our support team. We’re happy to help!