Service Canada holding back 85K passports as Canada Post strike drags on

The nationwide Canada Post strike is creating challenges for Canadians seeking passport services, reports say.  

As of Tuesday (Nov. 19), approximately 85,000 passports are currently on hold and unable to be mailed. Service Canada halted passport package mailings after November 8, 2024, to mitigate potential distribution disruptions. 

More than 55,000 Canada Post workers initiated the strike last Friday (Nov. 15), completely halting mail and parcel services across the country.

Negotiation standoff

The current labour dispute centers on significant wage disparities. The union is demanding a cumulative wage increase of 24 per cent over four years, while Canada Post has proposed an 11.5 per cent increase. 

Additional sticking points include job security, benefits, and weekend parcel delivery contracts.

Traveller guidance

Service Canada is holding residential mail in advance to avoid passport delays due to the Canada Post strike. 

An Employment and Social Development Canada spokesperson stated, "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."

According to Service Canada, once the strike ends and regular mail resumes, the affected passports will be mailed out.

In the meantime, Service Canada advises travellers to take steps to manage potential passport delays. Those with urgent passport needs can contact the Passport Program at 1-800-567-6868 or visit a Service Canada centre to request pickup service.

Travellers planning trips within the next six weeks are encouraged to apply for passports in person at Service Canada locations offering 10-business day service.

Broader service implications

The strike is not only impacting passport services but also affecting mail correspondence for employment insurance benefits, apprenticeship grants, and social insurance number distributions. 

Small businesses, charities, and remote communities are experiencing significant disruptions.

Resolution outlook

While negotiation teams have made "some progress" on smaller issues, substantial differences remain. A special mediator, Peter Simpson, has been appointed by the federal government to facilitate discussions between Canada Post and the workers' union.

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