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The Government of Saskatchewan said contingency measures are in place to limit disruptions caused by the national Canada Post strike in a news release.
On Thursday afternoon, Canada Post workers in Saskatoon and Regina walked off the job in protest of sweeping changes in an effort to make the Crown corporation financially viable, which Public Works and Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound ordered earlier today.
Those changes also will include slowing down the frequency of mail delivery and shuttering some post offices. Door-to-door mail delivery will end for almost all Canadian households within the next decade.
The statement said ministries, Crown agencies, and other services will continue to operate through alternative delivery methods, and clients are encouraged to transition to direct deposit and online options wherever possible.
Read more:
- Canada Post workers walk off job in protest of sweeping changes
- What the Canada Post strike means for your passports, pension cheques and more
- Five things to know about Canada Post’s future after Ottawa announces reforms
Social services
Most income support and disability clients already use direct deposit.
For those who do not, Saskatchewan Income Support and Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability cheques will be available for in-person pick-up starting Sept. 29 at service centers.
Health and drug programs
Applications for health cards and certificates may be delayed; however, residents can still order through eHealth Saskatchewan.
Requests under the Seniors’ Drug Plan, Special Support and Exception Drug Status programs can still be submitted electronically; letters will only be sent once the postal service resumes.
Agriculture and business support
The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation will use fax, email or in-office pick-up to deliver program information and is urging producers to sign up for direct deposit.
The Ministry of Finance will make supplier cheques available for pick-up in Regina, and tax filing deadlines remain unchanged despite mail delays. Businesses can avoid penalties by using the province’s online eTax Services portal. Refunds and grant payments sent by direct deposit will not be affected.
Crowns and trustees’ services
SGI, SaskTel, SaskPower, and SaskEnergy are directing customers to switch to online billing and notifications to ensure timely renewals and bill payments are received.
The Public Guardian and Trustees are also preparing alternate arrangements, though many clients have already received payments electronically
The province has posted details at www.saskatchewan.ca/postal-strike.
Read more:
- Canada Post workers walk off job in protest of sweeping changes
- What the Canada Post strike means for your passports, pension cheques and more
- Five things to know about Canada Post’s future after Ottawa announces reforms
— with files from The Canadian Press
