Some essential mail caught in limbo as Canada Post strike continues

As the Canada Post strike drags through its fourth week, people are being reminded to check on any essential mail they may be missing.

This could include benefit cheques, or vital health-care information like appointment notices and test results.

Peter Gilmer, an advocate with the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry, said he's worried about people receiving social assistance and disability payments.

"Certainly for people who have mobility issues, or distance issues, it becomes a real barrier to getting what are absolutely necessary benefits for survival purposes," he said.

An agreement between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers allows for federal support payments, including the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security, to be delivered during the labour dispute. But most provinces, including Saskatchewan, are holding their benefit cheques for pickup and encouraging people to sign up for online payments or direct deposit.

That's problematic for people who have had issues maintaining bank accounts, or who have no ability to reach the office where their cheque is being held, Gilmer said.

"I think there needs to be options to make sure that, if they're not going to rely on the mail system, then they need to make sure that there's other delivery systems in place," he said.

WATCH | Backlog of critical documents grows as Canada Post strike drags on: 

Backlog of critical documents grows as Canada Post strike drags on

29 days ago

Duration 1:43

The ongoing Canada Post strike has left thousands in limbo as they wait on crucial documents, such as passports and some social assistance cheques. But a resolution isn’t expected any time soon, with the corporation calling the latest union proposal a step back.

In an emailed statement, Saskatchewan's Ministry of Social Services said it did consider the option of using the postal system during the strike.

"We learned that cheques would be delivered by mail around the 20th of each month, which is three weeks later than usual delivery. The ministry's priority is to ensure essential monthly basic needs benefit cheques are available when clients and caregivers usually receive them. Our in-person pick-up plan is meeting that targeted timeline," the ministry said.

There is also a new toll-free dedicated phone line for people who do not have direct deposit arrangements and need to pick up benefit cheques. That number is 1-800-667-7155.

Most ministry clients receive their benefit payments through direct deposit, the ministry said.

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The Current19:56Frustration mounts as Canada Post strike drags on

As the Canada Post strike enters its fourth week, small businesses and rural communities in particular are feeling the pinch. We hear from entrepreneurs who are losing money — and one who is losing their patience — plus a labour expert who says the strike is only proving the courier to be vital.

The postal strike is also affecting the delivery of documents related to medical care.

Lisa Vick, a breast cancer survivor and patient advocate in Weyburn, said breast cancer screening notices are typically sent by mail, but the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency is moving to using phone and email during the postal strike.

"But I don't know if people are aware that they can sign up for email or to phone in," she said. "So I think just spreading awareness that that is actually an option now is helpful, and that might be a good option going through in the future as well."

She highlighted that Saskatchewan is phasing in changes to the age that women are eligible for breast cancer screening. Starting in January, the eligible age drops to 47, and there may be women who don't realize they qualify.

"They may need to call in and find out just where they are and if they qualify — and especially to that 47 to 50 demographic, if women are in that, I just highly encourage you to call and be aware and find out if you can get in for that screening, because early detection is key," she said.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority said it has implemented contingency plans to ensure services continue during the postal strike.

"As part of those plans, the SHA is ensuring documents normally sent by Canada Post such as appointment notices, public health inspection reports, patient reports, etc., will be provided, as needed, via alternate means such as courier, email or phone call," SHA chief operating officer Derek Miller said in an emailed statement.

Any items that were already in the mail system are being stored, and Canada Post said in an emailed statement that they will be delivered on a first-in, first-out basis when operations resume.

"However, the national strike will continue to impact service to Canadians well after the strike activity ends," Canada Post said.