Business groups expect a "massive" hit to small company's operations after unionized postal workers began a countrywide strike on Thursday evening.

But the Canadian Federation of Independent Business said Ottawa must still push forward with announced changes to Canada Post's business model, such as the eventual end to door-to-door mail delivery for nearly all Canadian households.

CFIB president Dan Kelly said a work stoppage around the holiday period last year cost small firms over $1 billion.

He said that another labour action in the lead-up to the critical holiday retail shipping season "is especially troubling."

"Small firms are still strong users of Canada Post, and a new business model can be quickly implemented if government gives the corporation the labour market protection it n

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