Canada Post workers are officially back on the job this Tuesday following a crucial ruling by the Canada Industrial Relations Board, marking an end to a strike that had left Ottawa residents and local businesses in a state of turmoil.

With the busy holiday season just around the corner, many are feeling the lingering effects of the strike. On Monday, a noticeable queue formed at a UPS store in Ottawa, showcasing the urgent need for alternative shipping solutions. Ottawa resident Krista Wadden shared her frustration, saying, "I'm mailing my presents to Nova Scotia and Calgary. I’ve got a bag full of gifts, but I decided not to trust Canada Post this time around. I felt it would be too risky.”

Echoing Wadden's concerns, local business owner Martin Charron of Gopherit Deliveries reported a staggering increase in demand for his services. "In 2024 alone, we've covered more than 5.6 million kilometers," Charron revealed. "With the strike, our workload has skyrocketed by over 300 percent—it's absolutely chaotic this time of year."

The strike has also opened up conversations around labor negotiations in Canada. Ottawa resident Natalia Barkar articulated the frustration many feel: "I get it, the demands are always there, but it’s troubling when the government seems to push for solutions rather than allowing for genuine negotiations." Her sentiment resonated with others who have felt the impacts on their daily lives.

Despite the disruption, there is a sense of relief among residents now that postal operations are resuming. Silvana Crea expressed her appreciation, stating, "Absolutely, I'm glad they're back. People need their mail, especially seniors who might be waiting for pension checks. It’s vital for them."

However, while operations will officially resume, Canada Post has cautioned that clearing the backlog will take time. They announced that no new mail pickups will occur until Thursday, and they will only begin accepting new international mail starting December 23. This means that residents and businesses alike will need to be patient as Canada Post works through the delays created by the strike.

The strike, which began on November 15, involved over 55,000 postal workers after negotiations between the Canadian Union of Postal Workers and Canada Post broke down. As mail services slowly return to normal, many in Ottawa are hoping for a swift resolution to the backlog and a reliable postal service in time for the holiday season.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as we navigate the rest of this busy holiday shipping period!