Will my letter or package, dropped just before the strike, reach its destination?
No, not for now. Canada Post was clear about this in its announcement last Friday: “Mail and packages will not be processed or delivered during the national strike, and some post offices will be closed.” Mail and packages will be delivered “as soon as possible” once operations resume, based on the “first in, first out” principle. Even after the restart, it may be slow: “It may take some time before processing and delivery return to normal.”
What happens to my shipments? Will I lose them?
Canada Post assures that “all mail and packages in the postal network will be secured.”
Can I still drop off letters or packages at Canada Post?
Again, no. “No new items will be accepted until the end of the national work stoppage,” the crown corporation states. Additionally, Teamsters Canada, representing unionized employees of Purolator (which is 91% owned by Canada Post), announced that its members would not process items postmarked by Canada Post or originating from post offices.
What happens to my employment insurance, social assistance, or pension check?
It depends on the issuer. The Quebec government announced last weekend that cheques within its jurisdiction – listed in a list of about forty – will be available at “different distribution locations in Quebec, depending on your residence.” A valid ID is required, and they will be available “every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 AM to 8 PM at most Services Québec offices.”
Regarding the federal government, an agreement with Canada Post ensures that some social benefit cheques will still be delivered “once a month” despite the strike. Cheques for the Canada Pension Plan, the Canada Pension Plan disability benefits, Old Age Security, and the Canada Child Benefit will be processed.
Both governments also encourage recipients to sign up for online services for direct deposit, as well as to consult and update their files and apply for benefits.
