The ongoing strike at Canada Post is causing significant disruptions across the country, including delays for those awaiting important documents like passports. With the busy holiday season in full swing, the impact of this strike is being felt by families and businesses alike.

Canada Post has recently proposed a new framework for negotiations, which is currently under review by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW). Both sides are working to make progress, but the government has stated that mediation will not resume until there is significant movement from both parties.

In anticipation of a potential labour disruption, Service Canada put a temporary hold on mailing out passport packages after November 8, a week in advance of a work stoppage, to reduce the risk of having any passports held in Canada Post distribution centres. As of November 19, approximately 85,000 passports that were printed and ready to be mailed are being held by Service Canada. Those passports will be mailed out once the labour disruption is over and regular mail service resumes.

For those in urgent need of a passport, Service Canada advises to call 1-800-567-6868 or visit a Service Canada location offering passport pick-up services to arrange for the package to be transferred. Passport applications mailed just prior to the strike may still be with Canada Post, and unfortunately, Service Canada will be unable to process them until mail service resumes. If you need additional help following up with Service Canada, please feel free to contact my office at Matt.Jeneroux.C1A@parl.gc.ca.

The strike is not only affecting domestic mail but also international services, with the U.S. Postal Service halting mail to Canada. Small and medium-sized businesses that rely on Canada Post are facing hundreds of millions of dollars in losses due to this disruption. It’s crucial that this situation is resolved as quickly as possible to prevent further economic damage to businesses and individuals.

We understand the frustration and uncertainty this situation has caused, and we are closely monitoring the developments. We will continue to push for a resolution so that services can be restored as soon as possible, and will provide updates as the situation progresses.

Matt Jeneroux, MP
Edmonton Riverbend