A strike by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC)—a union representing more than 120,000 federal public servants across the country—could impact federal services for veterans, indigenous people, immigrants, and those looking to get passports and tax returns.
Canada Revenue Agency
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) said in the event of a labour disruption, certain services may be “delayed or unavailable.”The agency said there could be delays in processing some income tax and benefit returns—particularly those filed by paper—as well as increased wait times in its contact centres.
The CRA said benefit payments for Canadians would be prioritized, and the Canada Child Benefit would continue during a strike. It encouraged Canadians to file their taxes, “as soon as possible.”
Employment and Social Development Canada
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) said that in the event of a strike, certain services could be impacted. It said essential services would be maintained in the event of a strike, such as the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Employment Insurance and Social Insurance Numbers.“While we expect there may be some delays in processing and increased wait times in call centres, Service Canada would work to meet service standards and answer client enquiries and calls in a timely manner,” ESDC said in an April 12 statement.
ESDC added that in-person services at Service Canada Centres would be limited to Canadians needing assistance with Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, Social Insurance Numbers, Old Age Security, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. While its offices would remain open, ESDC says “days and hours of operation may vary.”
Programs that may be interrupted include grants and contributions, temporary foreign worker programs, the Canada education savings grant, the Canada learning bond, the Canada Disability Savings Grant, the Canada Disability Savings Bond, and the Canada Job Bank.
Veterans Affairs
The government has stated that in the event of a strike, any established or periodic payments made to veterans would continue uninterrupted, such as for disability benefits, income replacement benefits, and any additional compensation for pain and suffering. But it said will have a significantly reduced capacity to process new payments.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said in the event of a strike, some services will still be available. It said Canadians will be able to apply online, use their online accounts, and access some emergency services.Royal Canadian Mounted Police
While the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said it will continue delivering regular police services across the country during a potential strike, it warned that some services may be disrupted. It said that services such as administrative support, media relations, web updates, and public access to buildings where the RCMP is located may be disrupted.Transport Canada
Transport Canada (TC) said the safety and security of Canada’s transportation system and travellers are “paramount.” It said while essential services would be maintained during labour disruptions, there may be impacts, such as “delays in accessing points of service.”Services that would be maintained include TC centres and airports; security oversight for civil aviation, rail safety and security, and transportation of dangerous goods; national enforcement program; motor vehicle safety general information email, and motor vehicle safety online defect complaint form and posting of new safety recalls.
Services that may be partially or fully disrupted include public outreach, regulatory work, aircraft services, the issuance of licenses, certificates, and registrations, motor vehicle safety defect complaints and recalls hotline, transportation security clearances, and the 1-888 service for ordering TC publications and forms.
Canada Border Services Agency
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said that in the event of a strike, “it is expected that CBSA services to travellers and businesses will be maintained.”Agriculture and AgriFood Canada
In the event of a strike, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada said several programs and services may be impacted. These include AgriInvest, AgriStability, the Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program, the Wine Sector Support Program, the vYouth Employment and Skills Program, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.Public Health Agency of Canada
The Public Health Agency of Canada said it will maintain all essential services that could affect the safety, security, and health of Canadians and other clients.“Non-essential services could be affected by labour disruptions, such as delays in processing requests or response times to telephone and email enquiries,” the agency said on April 11.
