Sask. Gov. prepares for potential Canada Post strike

With a potential Canada Post strike looming once again and arriving as soon as May 22, 2025, various ministries, Crown corporations and provincial government agencies have announced the preparation of contingency plans to limit potential service interruptions.

Clients, suppliers and businesses are being encouraged to switch to direct deposit, as payments made through that method will not be impacted by postal service changes.

Here are some of the items included:

• Social Services Payments: the Ministry of Social Services announced that plans are in place—akin to those utilized during the 2024 Canada Post service interruption, for clients that receive benefit cheques by mail. The ministry notes that most clients currently receive benefit cheques via direct deposit and will not experience disruptions.
• Drug Plan and Extended Benefits: individuals requiring letters be submitted to private insurers for Special Support, Seniors' Drug Plan, or Exception Drug Status can submit requests through the online Saskatchewan Formulary. Letters will be mailed once the service disruption is resolved.
• Health Cards and Vital Statistics Certificates: mail delays, both incoming and outgoing, may affect health card, birth, death, and marriage certificate applications. Those requiring the aforementioned services are encouraged to visit eHealthsask.ca for options to reduce delays.
• Crop Insurance/AgriStability Infromation and Payments: alternate options for information typically delivered through Canada Post to Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) customers will be offered, including faxing, emailing, or delivery to a local SCIC office for pickup. Producers are encouraged to sign-up for direct deposit to receive program payments, the form for which can be found on the SCIC website.
• Payments to Government of Saskatchewan Suppliers: supplier cheques for will be made available for pickup in Regina by the Ministry of Finance for suppliers unable to register for direct deposit. Arrangements can be made by calling 306-787-7450.
• Taxes, Refunds and Grant Payments: businesses are expected to file and pay taxes to the Ministry of Finance on time, mail delays do not change tax deadlines or the assessment of penalties and interest. More information can be found in the Information Notice. Tax clients are encouraged to sign up for Saskatchewan eTax Services (SETS) and use the online portal to file and pay taxes electronically and avoid delays in meeting tax obligations. As with other services, refunds and payments made via direct deposit will not be delayed. Those who do not use direct deposit can call 1-800-667-6102 to set it up, delay the refund or grant payment, or request a courier delivery at their own cost.
• Crown Utility Accounts, Bills, etc.: SGI, SaskTel, SaskPower and SaskEnergy recommend their customers make use of online billing and notifications to ensure they receive important communications, bills, driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, etc. on time. Longer than normal wait times for customer service representatives are anticipated should postal services be interrupted. Customers can visit the respective Crown corporation websites to find more information regarding customer service options, the payment of outstanding bills and more.
• Public Guardian and Trustee: backup options are being prepared by the Public Guardian and Trustee's office for clients and client service providers who receive payment via mail. Any clients or service providers who do not currently use direct deposit are encouraged to make the switch as soon as possible. Contact your trust officer or the Public Guardian and Trustee's office at 1-877-787-5424 or by email at pgt@gov.sk.ca

Detailed information for clients, suppliers and businesses should a postal strike occur can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan website.