The provincial government says preparations are underway for any Canada Post strike. (File photo)

By paNOW Staff

Mail and shipping options

Sask. government implementing plans for potential Canada Post service disruption

Nov 13, 2024 | 4:21 PM

The province says contingency plans are in place to minimize the impacts of a potential postal service disruption that could begin as early as Friday.

SGI, SaskTel, SaskPower and SaskEnergy are encouraging customers to proactively sign up for electronic accounts to ensure they receive information about their utility bills, driver’s license renewals and other important communications.

In a press release, the government said the easiest way for clients and suppliers to ensure payments are not disrupted is to switch to direct deposit, as those payments will not be impacted by changes to postal services.

Most clients that receive social services payments do so through direct deposit, but the Ministry of Social Services is developing a plan for alternative distribution for those who receive their benefits by mail.

For Drug Plan and Extended Benefits, the Ministry of Health will accept program applications, documents or receipts for refund. They can be submitted by email to DPEB@health.gov.sk.ca.

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The province advised that health care applications and orders for birth, death and marriage certificates will be impacted by incoming and outgoing mail delays. The alternative is to visit eHealthsask.ca for options to minimize delays, including online orders for needed documents.

Producers are being encouraged to sign up for direct deposit for receiving Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) program payments. Customers may also use email or delivery to a customer service office for pick-up as an alternative option for access information typically delivered through Canada post.

The Ministry of Finance is making supplier cheques available for pickup in Regina for anyone unable to register for direct deposit. It’s also reminding businesses that they are still required to fill and pay taxes in the event of a post dispute. The deadline for non-electronic filing of returns and payments is the 20th of the month following the end of the reporting period. The due date for returns filed and paid electronically is the last day of the month following the end of the reporting period. Electronic filing and payments will not be impacted.

Anyone expecting a tax refund but not set up with direct deposit can contact the ministry at 1-800-667-6102 to establish direct deposit, delay the receipt of the refund until after the postal disruption or have it sent to by courier (at the recipient’s expense).

Meanwhile, Ottawa is urging both sides of the Canada Post labour dispute to negotiate a settlement ahead of a looming strike deadline.

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said the federal government will make every effort possible to keep the union and employers at the table and keep them talking.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has given 72-hour strike notice to Canada Post.

The union says workers will be in a legal strike position as of Friday if negotiated settlements have not been reached.

ALTERNATIVES

Those feeling nervous about using Canada’s postal service ahead of the Christmas shipping season do have some options available for shipping within Canada and internationally. While Purolator is majority owned by Canada Post, the courier company is represented by a different union, so any strike action will not impact its services. FedEx, UPS, DHL and Intelcom Dragonfly all ship to and from Saskatchewan as well.

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-With files from the Canadian Press