Canada Post has confirmed it will deliver benefit cheques for the Canada Child Benefit and related provincial and territorial benefits, including the Alberta Child and Family Benefit, by Wednesday, November 20.

However, according to the Canada Revenue Agency's website, all other benefit and credit payments issued by cheque from the CRA will be delayed until the ongoing Canada Post strike is resolved. 

What's being impacted by the ongoing postal workers' strike?

According to Service Canada's website, several federal programs have implemented measures to ensure clients continue to receive necessary services and benefits, with Canada Post facing potential disruptions.

My Service Canada Account (MSCA)

During the postal disruption, clients registering for a My Service Canada Account (MSCA) may experience delays in receiving their Personal Access Code (PAC) by mail. However, PACs can also be requested in person or by phone, and if eligible, clients can verify their identity via the Interac service. 

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

Postal service disruptions will not affect Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) applications. However, in the event of a full postal strike, CDCP-related mail may be delayed. Canadians are advised to sign up for My Service Canada Account to access decision letters and check application status. Don’t forget to bring your membership card to appointments.

Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime

The application process for this benefit will remain unaffected, but applicants are encouraged to submit documents online and sign up for direct deposit to avoid any delays.

Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits

Employment Insurance clients are advised to set up direct deposit to prevent delays. Clients expecting paper-based reports, cheques, or access codes may experience postal delays and should contact Service Canada for assistance.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Applicants can apply online for a SIN and receive it digitally via their MSCA account. For urgent cases, visiting a Service Canada Centre may expedite processing.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applicants should use online submission methods and consider courier services for payment, particularly if using certified cheques or money orders.

Wage Earner Protection Program

Applicants for this program are urged to apply online and set up direct deposit to avoid delays. Applications sent by mail will still be accepted, but decision letters may be delayed.

Work-Sharing Program

There will be no disruption to Work-Sharing program applications. Employers should submit forms via email, drop them off at a Service Canada Centre, or use courier services.

Canada Student Loans and Grants

Students should continue to apply for Canada Student Loans and Grants online. Applications for Canada Apprentice Loans can be made at the Canada Apprentice Loan Service Centre. Students are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit to avoid payment delays.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS)

To prevent disruptions, Service Canada will issue early cheques for CPP and OAS payments, with cheques being delivered despite any postal disruption. Direct deposit is the recommended method for receiving these payments.

Apprenticeship grants

Apprentices applying for grants must submit supporting documents online and set up direct deposit to avoid postal delays.

Passport Program

Canadians who have applied for a passport and requested mail delivery will experience delays. Urgent passport needs can be addressed by contacting the Passport Program or visiting a Service Canada Centre. Canadians planning travel within six weeks should apply early to ensure timely processing.

Update on postal workers' strike

Last Friday, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) confirmed a national strike would begin. According to Canada Post, this strike will result in a shutdown of Canada Post's operations, leading to significant disruptions for Canadians and businesses across the country.

Due to the strike, customers can expect delays in mail and parcel deliveries. No new items will be processed or accepted during the disruption. Some post offices will also be closed. Service guarantees will be affected for items already in the postal network, and no new mail will be accepted until the strike concludes.

Canada Post underlined that once the strike ends and operations resume, all mail and parcels will be delivered as quickly as possible on a first-in, first-out basis. However, Canada Post warns that the strike's impact may continue as the national network is restored to full capacity. Services are expected to be affected for the duration of the strike, and there will be a prolonged recovery period as operations ramp up again.

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