85,000 Passports Held by Service Canada Amid Canada Post Strike Disrupting Mail Nationwide

Service Canada has paused the mailing of 85,000 passports due to the ongoing Canada Post strike, which has disrupted mail delivery nationwide since November 15. The strike, sparked by disputes over wages, working conditions, and other concerns, has left millions of Canadians and businesses grappling with delays as the busy holiday season approaches.

The suspension of passport mailings began on November 8, ahead of the labour disruption. According to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) spokesperson Mila Roy, this precautionary measure was implemented to prevent passports from being stranded in Canada Post’s distribution centres. “By holding residential mail several days in advance of a work stoppage, Service Canada has reduced the risk of having any passports held in Canada Post distribution centres,” Roy stated.

For Canadians who submitted passport applications shortly before the strike, processing delays are inevitable. Roy explained that Service Canada cannot process applications until postal services resume. “In these cases, Service Canada will not be able to process the application until mail service resumes,” she said.

To mitigate the impact on those with urgent travel needs, Service Canada is offering alternative solutions. Applicants requiring immediate passports are encouraged to contact the Passport Program directly at 1-800-567-6868 or visit a Service Canada centre offering pick-up services to expedite their requests.

The strike by tens of thousands of postal workers has created significant ripple effects, as Canada Post remains the primary mail carrier for millions of Canadians. The timing of the strike, coinciding with the lead-up to the holiday season, has heightened its impact on personal and business mail.

In recent years, Canada Post has faced increasing scrutiny over its handling of labour disputes and service disruptions. This latest strike underscores ongoing challenges in balancing employee demands with service commitments to the public.

With the strike showing no immediate resolution, Canadians are advised to anticipate continued delays in mail delivery and consider alternative options for time-sensitive correspondence.