hudson’s bay company

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday May 24 2025

Also Published in the Toronto Star.

A Canadian Tradition Losing Its Stamp

In a nation synonymous with iconic symbols like the Mounties, the Rockies, and maple syrup, the spectacle of a Canada Post strike feels like another quintessentially Canadian tradition. Yet, in a rapidly evolving world, the impact of such strikes has become a curious mix of nostalgia and irrelevance, affecting only a select few—businesses clinging to traditional mailing systems, seniors, and those in remote regions.

News: Canada Post presents new offer to union, including 13 per cent wage hike and weekend delivery

Canada Post, once a pillar of Canadian communication, now struggles to find its footing in a digital age. The recent labor disputes and potential strikes highlight not just the financial chaos within the organization, but also a disconnect between its administration, workers, and the broader economic realities faced by Canadians. The Crown corporation’s financial woes are well-documented, with billions in losses and an increasing reliance on government bailouts. Meanwhile, private couriers have seized a significant portion of the market, thriving on efficiency and adaptability—qualities that Canada Post seems to lack.

For most Canadians, a postal strike today evokes little more than a shrug. The reality is that many have already adapted to a world where communication is instantaneous and transactions are digital. The memory of last year’s strike, which disrupted holiday plans, is still fresh, but rather than generating public sympathy, it served as a catalyst for many to explore alternative solutions. The public’s patience with these disruptions is wearing thin, and the notion of a strike as a bargaining tool appears increasingly futile.

The stakes are undoubtedly higher for those who rely on traditional mail services—businesses that depend on Canada Post for survival, elderly citizens accustomed to paper bills, and remote communities without reliable internet access. For them, the postal service remains a lifeline. However, their numbers are dwindling, and their voices are becoming a faint echo in a digital world.

Opinion: Canada Post workers could strike again. If they do, the public will see red

As the administrators, workers, and union leaders of Canada Post stand at this crossroads, they must confront an uncomfortable truth. The economic challenges faced by all Canadians—rising inflation, interest rate hikes, supply chain disruptions—demand adaptation and innovation. Ignoring these realities risks pushing Canada Post further into obsolescence, much like the Hudson’s Bay Company, which struggled to modernize in time.

A strike that once held the nation’s attention may now barely register as background noise to a public that has moved on. The quaintness of a postal strike, once a formidable force, has become a relic of the past. Canada Post’s survival hinges on its ability to embrace change, lest it fades into irrelevance, another chapter in Canadian history met with little more than nostalgic indifference.

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Postal Strikes, Cryptocurrency, and the Modern Economy: A Tale of Two Worlds

Throughout my years of drawing cartoons, I’ve seen the familiar uproar whenever Canada Post goes on strike. These strikes often split Canadians into two camps: those supporting the union and those upset about late cheques and undelivered cards. The strikes have become as Canadian as hockey or the maple leaf, yet even Canada Post seems to be fading into history.

Thursday December 4, 1997 – Looking back from 28 years later, the 1997 postal workers’ protest against back-to-work legislation, with threats of free mail and delivery errors, seems like a quaint reminder of when snail mail drama was a headline grabber, before the days of inbox overload and instant messaging. Keen observers of my Young Doug Ford series will note Doug Ford Sr. always depicted from his arm chair reading his favourite tabloid, The Toronto Sun, often blazing a headline grousing over the latest Postie labour issue. 

Despite financial challenges, Canada Post survives because the government considers it essential. With Canada’s vast distances and many people still depending on traditional mail, the postal service still has a role. But for many, it seems like a costly service, mostly delivering ads and junk mail.

In my 28 years in the media industry, I’ve watched the digital age change everything. Media often gets labelled as “fake news” and faces criticism for needing government help, but my work remains independent, and our real support comes from loyal subscribers.

At The Hamilton Spectator, my salary is similar to a postal worker’s. Despite not having had a raise in years, we stay passionate about our work. Many of us find extra jobs to cope with rising costs, and benefits have been reduced. Recently, 200 Canada Revenue Service workers lost their jobs but got good severance packages—something most media workers can’t count on.

I’m not complaining, just pointing out a reality many in unstable jobs face. Whether it’s traditional media, car manufacturing, or anything at risk of being replaced by technology, or tariffs, the future is uncertain. The postal service is under the spotlight now, but we must remember these are real people with real challenges. Many of us worry as we see plans that seem to burden the middle class while promising tax cuts for the wealthy.

Wednesday November 30, 2016 – The CBC asked for an extra $400 million to ditch ads, and my snarky cartoon pointed out the irony of print media cheering for a broadcaster that was happily munching on their lunch.

It’s interesting that those who complain the most about media subsidies also oppose carbon taxes, ignoring the big government handouts to the oil industry. This criticism misses the wider picture of government aid.

Wednesday April 3, 2024 –  Justin Trudeau’s government faced criticism for its climate policies, especially as it continued to subsidize fossil fuel industries while professing a commitment to climate action, revealing a significant inconsistency in its approach.

Meanwhile, the world of cryptocurrency is booming with quick profits, driven by fast-talking tech-savvy people. The Trump administration’s recent party for $Trump coin seems like another spectacle for us to watch, showing how the wealthy play with profits without adding much value to society. In a world where meaningful work often goes unnoticed, this is quite the contrast.

As we stagger in these uncertain times, it’s important to understand the bigger picture. Whether it’s the struggles of traditional industries or the rise of new, speculative ones, recognizing these dynamics can help us appreciate those who truly contribute to society.