Amazon’s decision to shut down seven distribution centres in Quebec, affecting over 1,900 jobs, has sparked sharp criticism from Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, Champagne expressed disappointment over the closures and urged the company to reconsider, shared the minister on Thursday evening on X.
“When Amazon entered the Canadian market, it did so recognizing the value of Canada’s exceptional workers,” Champagne wrote. He pointed out the closures undermine Amazon’s commitment to being “Earth’s best employer” and called the decision inconsistent with the company’s values.
The closures come after Amazon’s Laval distribution centre became the first in North America to unionize, raising speculation that decision could be linked to its resistance to unionized labour.
Champagne argued that Amazon’s Quebec facilities play a vital role in the company’s supply chain, ensuring quick delivery across the province and contributing significantly to the local economy. He added that the layoffs would have ripple effects on communities, highlighting the importance of Amazon’s business partnership with Canada.
“It is not too late to reconsider your decision,” Champagne urged, adding that such layoffs raise concerns about Amazon’s long-term commitment to the Canadian market. The letter called for a review of Amazon’s relationship with the Canadian government and extended an invitation to discuss the matter further.
With Parliament currently prorogued by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and a spring federal election looming, Champagne’s words don’t mean much. But at least it makes his constituents feel better.
In an emailed statement to iPhone in Canada on Wednesday, Amazon spokesperson Barbara Agrait said, “Following a recent review of our Quebec operations, we’ve seen that returning to a third-party delivery model supported by local small businesses, similar to what we had until 2020, will allow us to provide the same great service and even more savings to our customers over the long run.”
She added, “This decision wasn’t made lightly, and we’re offering impacted employees a package that includes up to 14 weeks’ pay after facilities close and transitional benefits, like job placement resources.”
In a nutshell, Laval workers unionized and Amazon appealed to the labour board, citing the vote didn’t recognize worker rights, since the vote was not by secret ballot, but rather by signing cards. Amazon lost the appeal–and now they have pulled out of Quebec.
Little Chihuahua barking. Begone clown, only someone like you could not see this coming when the unions stepped in.
I hate Scamazon, I'm just saying they have a history of moving from places that push the union agenda too much. Very predictable move.
“It is not too late to reconsider your decision,” Champagne urged
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Has there ever been a more useless politician that this guy?
"I'll take Justin Turd-eau for 500 Alex."
Congratulations – you've hit the Daily Double and it looks like an easy one… your question is:
What Prime Minister will be tossed out of office with the lowest ratings in Canada's history?
Wait, did you know Justin is trolling this comment section and downvoting disident opinions?
Watch for your bank accounts suffering from the cold….
Champagne’s words don’t mean much. But at least it makes his constituents feel better.
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Yeah I'd question this line.
Meh see ya Quebec!
I don't understand why people knock our politicians who try to stand up for Canadians in the face of American and other foreign companies and governments when the reality is that their supposedly empty bluster says more about Canada's lack of weight in the world than it does about any individual Canadian government official. Sure, there probably isn't much Champagne can do to change Amazon's decision or general employment tactics, but it's not because he's François-Philippe Champagne.
Let me mansplain 😇
It's too late to bark now when the deed is done. If he wanted to help, not posture, he could have negotiated terms that PREVENTED this act from happening.
Of course, Scamazon would have walked, but it would have been the honest thing to do. Ethical one might say, but that word can't be juxtaposed to this government or its ministers.
I don't understand why any USA company would move to Quebec as the USA is a capitalist country and Quebec is the most socialist province in Canada, with Manitoba being a close second. Amazon has realized that way too late. When Canada becomes closer to the USA considering what Trump is saying, I am sure that Quebec will run the other way and be more reliant on government funding.