Canada Post Strike Leaves 215,000 Passports Delayed, with Further Disruptions Expected

Service Canada has begun addressing a backlog of over 215,000 printed passports and related documents stalled during the recent Canada Post strike, which disrupted operations nationwide. Despite resumed services, Canadians may continue to experience delays in receiving crucial mail into early 2025.

The labor disruption, which started on November 15, left approximately 215,000 passports and other passport program-related mail stranded by the time the strike concluded on December 17. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) confirmed that the backlog grew as Service Canada proactively paused mailing operations on December 1 to manage the situation.

“Service Canada has worked with Canada Post on a plan for the resumption of mail service for passport delivery,” Liana Brault, an ESDC spokesperson, stated in an email.

While some documents were rerouted to select offices for urgent cases between December 12 and 16, the majority remained held back. Canada Post workers returned to their roles following a directive from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), marking the start of recovery efforts.

Since December 18, Canada Post’s network has been fully operational, enabling the gradual collection and delivery of delayed documents. However, the Crown corporation has warned that mail delivery delays could persist through the end of 2024 and into January 2025.

“Any new passport applications being processed and printed since December 16, 2024, will now be mailed to clients who request mail delivery as usual. However, Canada Post has noted that there may be delays through the remainder of 2024 and into January 2025,” Brault explained.

In response, Service Canada continues to work diligently to process the backlog, prioritizing urgent cases. Canadians awaiting their passports are encouraged to contact the Passport Program or visit a Service Canada centre for assistance.

To avoid further disruption, individuals planning to travel within the next six weeks are urged to apply for their passports at Service Canada locations offering 10-business-day processing.

“Those who will be travelling in the next six weeks should apply for their passport as early as possible at a Service Canada point of service,” Brault advised.

The strike stemmed from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers’ (CUPW) demands for better wages, pensions, and health benefits. The CIRB ordered an end to the labor action on December 15 after determining that a resolution was unlikely before year-end.