Provinces, territories make backup plans for essential services during Canada Post strike

Nearly a week after Canada Post workers across the country went on strike, causing a halt in mail delivery, federal, provincial, and territorial governments have announced alternative ways for Canadians to receive essential government mail and financial support cheques.

An agreement between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has allowed certain unionized employees to deliver federal support payments during the labour dispute. This includes important payments such as the Canada Child Benefit, Old Age Security, and the Canada Pension Plan. Additionally, Service Canada has noted that between 94 and 98 percent of people receiving federal financial assistance payments already receive their funds through direct deposit.

For those who may still rely on physical cheques, the federal government has stated that Employment Insurance (EI) clients can reach out to Service Canada if they are in urgent need of their payments. Service Canada can make arrangements for cheques to be delivered directly to their homes or a government office.

However, the strike has impacted the delivery of most other government support payments and correspondence. Provinces and territories have implemented measures such as making support cheques available for pickup at government offices, encouraging individuals to switch to online payments or direct deposit, and utilizing contingent mail services.

In Ontario, for example, welfare and disability support cheques are not being mailed out. The provincial government has reassured recipients that arrangements have been made to ensure timely receipt of their payments through local offices. Similar plans have been put in place in Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia.

Territories such as the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut have also found alternative ways to move essential mail within their communities. These include partnering with local couriers, utilizing cargo networks, and coordinating with government liaison offices to distribute important documents and materials.

As negotiations continue between Canada Post and CUPW, government agencies are making every effort to ensure that Canadians still receive the necessary financial support and government mail during the strike. By utilizing various alternative delivery methods and services, essential services are being maintained across the country.