We're ALL confused. As of today, the union (CUPW) is still running rotating strikes - a new set of cities have a mail strike every day, focusing on those with major distribution centres. There is no answer as to whether all mail is still being processed, or if things are "being lost" in order to demonstrate to the rest of us how evil Canada Post may or may not be.
On the other side, Canada Post has now cut mail delivery to three times a week and is laying people off, in the hopes of encouraging resentment against the union. They have also removed medical benefits from striking workers, even those on approved medical leave (cancer treatments, etc). Their goal (encouraged by the Federal gov't), is to force the union into general strike action, at which point the government can declare the mail to be an essential service, and legally force everyone back to work.
The last time this happened, the strike lasted two weeks. We are currently in week 1.5.
As of right now, Rich and I have packed all regular editions and they are ready to ship, and he is working on the first wave of Artist Editions. We are not comfortable sending the packages through Canada Post or Purolator (owned by Canada Post).
If anyone would like/needs their package now, we will upgrade your shipping to another courier, charge you the extra postage, and send it on asap. (we've had one request along those lines already). If you are willing to risk Canada Post (which may be fine, or may be a disaster), we will send it out, but assume no responsibility for that shipment - we simply can't. CP and CUPW are simply too unpredictable right now for us to trust what may or may not happen.
This sucks for everyone, I know. I'm really, really sorry.
So, in short form: The moment that Canada Post and the union get their act together and the strike is over, we will be rushing 100+ packages to the post office and shipping them. Before that, we'll do it, but can't guarantee anything will arrive/arrive on time. We'll also upgrade to courier if you prefer, but that will cost more and possibly land you with customs fees.
From today's news, to give you an idea:
Relevant quote: "Lemelin also showed photographs purported to prove that mail volume is still high, and Canada Post is intentionally stockpiling letters and packages." <-- that's what scares us.
ETA: Heck. I'm going to turn this into a news post.