With an estimated 215,000 passports delayed due to the Canada Post strike, Service Canada has announced alternative ways for Canadians to receive their documents, especially those needing them urgently.
The nearly month-long strike has left more than 200,000 passports processed, printed, and ready for mailing but held up due to postal disruptions. While the federal government has requested the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to order postal workers back to work, Service Canada has introduced measures to assist those affected in the meantime.
Pick-Up Option Now Available
Canadians who previously requested mail delivery for their passports can now opt to pick them up in person at Service Canada locations. Passports held at three print centres will soon be shipped to the Service Canada offices nearest to the client’s home, ensuring accessibility.
“There are more than 60 Service Canada locations offering pick-up services, with some extending hours and setting up dedicated pick-up stations to meet the increased demand,” Service Canada said in a statement.
How to Retrieve Your Passport
- Contact Service Canada: Reach out to the Passport Program by phone at 1-800-567-6868 or visit a Service Canada Centre to request the transfer of your passport for in-person pick-up.
- Provide Proof of Travel: For urgent travel, provide documentation such as a flight itinerary to arrange same-day or expedited pick-up services.
- Pick-Up Scheduling: Pick-up dates are determined based on your travel date or urgency, with some cases allowing for same-day service.
For Non-Urgent Requests
If you do not need your passport urgently, you can continue to wait for delivery. Once the postal service resumes, passports will be mailed as requested.
“These new measures will remain in place even after postal service resumes, helping transition back to regular operations,” Service Canada noted.
Urgent Travel Applications
For those traveling within six weeks, Service Canada urges applicants to apply as soon as possible. Ten-day or 20-day service options are available at select Service Canada Centres to accommodate urgent requests.
Federal Response to the Strike
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon confirmed the government’s intervention, citing an “impasse” in negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW). The government has requested that workers return to their jobs and extend their current contract until May, pending a resolution. An inquiry will examine why talks broke down and recommend ways to reach a new agreement.
For more details, Canadians can contact the Passport Program at 1-800-567-6868 or visit www.canada.ca.