The Canadian government is demanding that Amazon “immediately” reconsider its decision to close all its distribution centres in Quebec, threatening to review its commercial relationship with the online retail giant if nothing is done
Canadian Government Pressures Amazon Over Quebec Warehouse Closures
The Canadian government is demanding Amazon immediately reconsider its decision to close all distribution centers in Quebec, warning that failure to act could prompt a review of its commercial relationship with the company.
Federal Minister Calls Out Amazon
François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, addressed a letter to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy on Thursday, expressing strong opposition to the move. Posting on X, Champagne criticized Amazon’s decision, saying:
“When Amazon entered the Canadian market, it did so recognizing the value of Canada’s exceptional workers. As a company that claims to value its employees and strives to be ‘Earth’s best employer,’ I find yesterday’s announcement inconsistent with those values.”
Champagne emphasized that Quebec is a key hub in Amazon’s Canadian supply chain, and closing operations contradicts the company’s stated goal of being a “strategic leader” in Canada’s economy.
“This decision will not instill confidence and raises questions about your commitment to Canada and your Canadian partners.”
Calls for a Quebec Amazon Boycott
Public backlash has been swift, with calls to boycott Amazon emerging just one day after the announcement. Champagne urged Jassy to reconsider the layoffs, calling them "large and sudden" and a serious concern for the impacted workers.
On Wednesday, Amazon confirmed that all Quebec warehouse operations would cease within two months, reverting to a third-party delivery model—the same system the company used before 2020.
At least 1,700 regular employees and 250 seasonal workers in Quebec will lose their jobs as a result.
Amazon has stated that affected employees will receive severance packages, including up to 14 weeks of pay and transitional support such as job placement resources.
Union Accuses Amazon of Anti-Labor Tactics
The Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), which represents Amazon workers in Montreal, strongly condemned the decision. CSN President Caroline Senneville suggested that Amazon’s move was retaliation against recent unionization efforts.
Last spring, 200 employees at Amazon’s DXT4 warehouse in Laval, Quebec, unionized—a move that the company strongly opposed.
Amazon, however, denies that unionization played a role in the decision to shut down Quebec operations.
Senneville described the closure as “outrageous” but said she was not surprised, adding that CSN’s legal team is investigating the matter.
“Will they really be subcontracting? We will look into that, and of course, we will stand by the workers to ensure their rights are upheld.”
Quebec Premier: "Amazon Is a Private Company"
Quebec Premier François Legault acknowledged the 1,700 job losses as a difficult blow but ultimately framed the decision as a private business matter.
“I’m sad, and I understand that this must be tough for the families involved,” said Legault. “Amazon is a private company. Why they are doing this, how they are doing this… those are questions for Amazon. I don’t manage Amazon.”
What’s Next for Amazon in Quebec?
As Amazon vacates its warehouses in Montreal, questions remain about what will happen to these large facilities. Concordia University economics professor Moshe Lander suggests multiple possible outcomes, including repurposing the warehouses for new businesses or leasing them to third-party logistics providers.
For now, Canada’s federal government, labor unions, and the public continue to pressure Amazon, but whether the e-commerce giant reverses course remains uncertain.