Distribution Pains

At the time of writing, Canada Post presented new global offer to CUPW workers, but the negotiations continue to be drawn out, and at the center of it, several QCNA newspapers bear the brunt. During a time when truth and democracy feel truly at risk, shouldn’t newspapers be treated as a separate entity, an essential service? Especially when a QCNA newspaper is often the only source of Official Language news in a community? How do QCNA newspapers that rely on Canada Post move forward from here? Thankfully, our readers are often steadfast and will make the trek to the local grocery store of the newspaper’s office to pick up the weekly copy. But what about the future? Canada Post, as we heard from Minister Lightbound, is facing an existential crisis. Our solution, for now, is to meet and share ideas because the news must go on.

I have been sharing updates from OCNA executive director Gordon Cameron because his analysis of the situation is very intelligent. Unfortunately, some of our papers can’t wait for this situation to resolve itself. Here is an editorial that Gordon shared earlier this week from the Picton Gazette, who decided to move on from Canada Post once and for all.

Ilka de Laat, General Manager, QCNA

October 2025