Saskatoon artist faces order backlog as couriers can’t beat price of Canada Post lettermail

WATCH: As small businesses and non-profits enter their busiest season, Saskatoon organizations say the ongoing postal strike is creating challenges.

Mail is piling up as the Canada Post strike continues, creating challenges for small businesses and non-profits entering their busiest season.

Monique Poisson-Fast runs Stardust Artwork, a small home-based business selling stickers, prints, charms and earrings. Many of their items are light and flat, allowing them to be shipped through Canada Post letter mail at a low cost.

Now two weeks into the strike, deliveries to Poisson-Fast’s customers have slowed, causing a backlog of outgoing orders.

“It just does not make sense to use a private courier when the product is $5 or $10 and shipping would cost $15 or $20,” Poisson-Fast said.

Non-profits are also facing challenges as their busiest fundraising season begins. The Saskatoon Community Foundation said about 10 per cent of its donations typically come through the mail.

While the strike presents another obstacle, the organization said it has adapted following the pandemic and last year’s postal strike.

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“We’ve become more sophisticated about the types of donations we can accept. Donors are also more comfortable giving online,” said Fred Reibin with the Saskatoon Community Foundation.

Another challenge is mailing tax receipts to donors, which the organization has had to adjust.

“We’ve been making alternative arrangements by emailing those receipts,” Reibin said.

Despite the ongoing disruptions, Poisson-Fast says they support postal workers’ right to strike while hoping for a resolution that works for everyone.

“On an individual level, I do hope they can work things out with Canada Post so everyone’s needs can be met,” they said.