‘Nobody wants to pay that’: Small businesses in rural Alberta struggling amid Canada Post workers strike [Video]

DIDSBURY, Alta. –

Thirteen days after 55,000 Canada Post workers walked off the job, there is no end in sight.

Mediation talks have been halted to give both sides time to reassess before returning to the bargaining table.

It’s creating uncertainty for business owners, especially in rural Alberta, where Canada Post is relied upon by small shops.

Canada Post estimates 10 million packages are caught in limbo.

Among them are multiple shipments destined for Fashions on Main in Didsbury, Alta.

“We haven’t received anything in days now, and we’re still waiting on some small items that are specifically seasonal for Christmas stocking stuffers and some special orders, too,” said Theo Springer, owner of Fashions on Main.

The clothing store is among the rural Canada Post customers hit especially hard by the strike.

While plenty of alternative courier and shipping companies exist in large cities, it’s not as feasible in smaller towns.

“It’s just …