The ongoing Canada Post labour disruption has resulted in approximately 85,000 printed passports being held by Service Canada as a precautionary measure. In anticipation of the potential strike, the federal government placed a temporary hold on mailing out passport packages beginning November 8, 2024, to avoid passports being stranded in Canada Post distribution centres.
Passports Still Processed and Printed
Despite the strike, Canadians can rest assured that passport processing and printing continue uninterrupted. Service Canada is actively working to mitigate delays for travelers, offering in-person application and pickup services across the country.
Key Steps for Travelers
For Canadians with upcoming travel plans, here’s what you need to know:
- Urgent Travel (Next Six Weeks):
Travelers should apply in person at a Service Canada Centre offering 10-business day processing. Locations and estimated wait times are available on Canada.ca to help avoid unnecessary delays. - Non-Urgent Travel (More Than Six Weeks):
Travelers not leaving imminently can apply at a Service Canada Centre offering 20-business day processing or visit a scheduled outreach site. - Mailed Applications Prior to the Strike:
If you mailed your application before the labour disruption, Service Canada may not have received it. Processing will resume when Canada Post services normalize. - Existing Passport Applications:
Canadians who have already applied and require a passport urgently can request to transfer their passport to one of 60 designated Service Canada locations for pickup. This can be arranged by calling the Passport Program hotline at 1-800-567-6868 or by visiting a Service Canada Centre.
Why Are Passports on Hold?
Service Canada implemented a hold on mailing passports to prevent them from being caught in distribution centres during the labour disruption. This proactive measure ensures that completed passports remain secure until regular postal service resumes.
Next Steps
Service Canada will resume mailing held passports as soon as Canada Post operations return to normal. In the meantime, Canadians are encouraged to monitor updates on service interruptions through the Canada Post website before sending applications by mail.