The provincial Ministry of Social Services is addressing concerns regarding the delivery of benefits to its clients during the ongoing Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) strike, which has halted mail delivery across Canada.
In a written statement, the Ministry outlined its contingency plan for distributing benefit payments, stating that "to minimize the impact of the Canada Post service disruption for clients and caregivers who usually receive benefit payments by mail, the Ministry of Social Services is distributing benefit payments for basic needs, basic maintenance, and special needs in person at service centres across the province."
The Ministry confirmed that most clients receive their benefits through direct deposit, which remains unaffected by the strike. However, those who typically receive cheques by mail are now required to pick them up in person at their local service centre during the strike.
Unlike a number of other government agencies that provided advance notice of their contingency plans, the Ministry of Social Services did not inform all of its clients of the changes until after the strike began.
"The ministry has been providing daily benefit payments for pick up in-person at service centres across the province since November 18, sharing information with clients and caregivers as they are arranging daily payments,” the Ministry’s statement read. “We have mobilized our staff to ensure monthly benefit cheques are distributed to local service centres, and we are contacting clients and caregivers where possible.”
The Ministry also clarified why they chose not to utilize the mail service despite CUPW's commitment to delivering government benefit cheques, even during labour stoppages.
"The government cheques that are guaranteed are federal benefits," the statement explained. "Other governments could take part with a delivery of the 20th of the month. It’s important to note that while the majority of Ministry of Social Services benefit payments occur at the end of each month, there are some basic needs cheques that are distributed daily. In-person pick up is the most efficient and timely way to ensure clients receive their benefits."
The Ministry is encouraging clients who still receive cheques by mail to switch to direct deposit. They are also providing updates on the situation through their website, a dedicated phone line that can be reached toll-free at 1-800-667-7155, and in person at service centres across the province.