Amazon snubs federal minister as Liberal government seeks Quebec votes

Talk to the hand. 

That’s the message from Amazon CEO Andy Jassy to Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne after he refused to meet with federal officials over its decision to shutter operations in Quebec.

It’s a move that comes as the Liberal Party navigates a leadership race and seeks to shore up support in vote-rich Quebec.

The snub follows Champagne’s public threats to “review” Canada’s business ties with Amazon, after the e-commerce giant announced it would close seven warehouses and lay off 1,700 full-time and 250 temporary workers in the province. 

The closures are expected to have an even broader economic impact, with Quebec’s Ministry of Labour confirming that at least 1,600 additional layoffs will hit third-party delivery companies bringing total job losses to approximately 3,000.

Despite the minister’s calls for an “urgent discussion,” Amazon’s refusal to meet was relayed to the government indirectly through an email between the company and a journalist.

“The minister is currently in discussions with colleagues to determine the next steps,” Audrey Millette, a spokesperson for Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada, said in a statement to The Globe and Mail.

Amazon has maintained that the closures are a business decision unrelated to last year’s unionization efforts at its Laval warehouse, but skepticism remains high among political leaders and labor unions. The Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) and federal politicians, including NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, have suggested that Amazon’s move is an attempt at union busting.

“I’m really disappointed, and frankly, it’s disgraceful what Amazon’s doing,” Singh said.

Champagne, who is seen as a key player in the Liberal government’s election strategy in Quebec, has escalated his rhetoric against Amazon, calling the company’s decision “deeply disappointing” and hinting at possible government retaliation.

Ottawa has more than 200 contracts with Amazon, some worth over $5 million each, including a $22.7 million agreement. While Champagne has not detailed any specific actions, he made it clear that the government is considering its options.

“I’m not going to tell them what I’m going to do in advance. That’s called negotiation 101,” he said, implying that Amazon should reconsider its decision before facing potential “consequences.”

Despite Champagne’s threats, Amazon has stood by its decision, insisting that it is still open to discuss the closures with federal and provincial officials. However, the company’s official statement suggests no intention of reversing course.

“We regularly have discussions with officials across Canada to discuss matters of interest,” said Amazon spokesperson Steve Kelly. “We’re happy to discuss this matter further with minister Champagne and other officials in Quebec and Canada.”

With the Liberal government facing a leadership race and looking to bolster its standing in Quebec, the Amazon dispute has become an opportunity for Champagne to present himself as a champion of workers and a tough negotiator with corporate giants.

For his part, Quebec Premier François Legault has also expressed concerns, promising that his government will help affected workers find new jobs, possibly in sectors like construction.