Amazon Willing to Discuss Quebec Shutdown With Canadian Officials

By Joseph Provence, a news contributor who writes about technology, small business, SEO, and e-commerce.

Jan 24,2025 1:30 PM MST

OTTAWA — Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne has called for a review of Ottawa’s “business relationship” with Amazon following the company's decision to shutter all seven of its warehouses in Quebec.

The closures will result in the loss of 1,700 permanent jobs and 250 temporary positions. The move comes months after workers at an Amazon facility in Laval, a Montreal suburb, successfully unionized in May—marking a significant milestone for organized labor in the province.

Amazon denies any link between the closures and the unionization efforts, stating the decision is based on optimizing efficiency and delivering cost-effective services to customers.

Minister Champagne expressed strong concern over the closures, stating, “This move will not go unanswered,” though he has yet to clarify specific actions the federal government might take in response.

Amazon’s dealings with the Canadian government are extensive, with over 200 contracts worth more than $10,000 signed since 2020, according to the federal procurement database. Champagne confirmed he has spoken with the CEO of Amazon Canada and has sent a letter to Amazon’s global CEO, Andy Jassy, urging the company to reconsider its decision.

The closures mark a significant development in the relationship between Amazon and Canadian labor, with potential ripple effects on both the company’s operations and federal procurement policies.