Canada Post strike causing delays in passport delivery

The ongoing strike at Canada Post that has shutdown mail delivery across Canada is also delaying the delivery of passports ahead of the holiday travel season.

Canada Post workers have been on strike since Nov 15 over wages, working conditions and other issues, and mail delivery has been halted.

Passport applicants who did not pay for pickup service or have already mailed the applications will see delays in receiving their documents.

Service Canada put a "temporary hold" on mailing out passport packages after Nov. 8 in anticipation of a potential strike at Canada Post.

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"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," Employment and Social Development Canada said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa. 

"As of November 19, 2024, approximately 85,000 passports that were printed and ready to be mailed are being held by Service Canada. Those passports will be mailed out once the labour disruption is over and regular mail service resumes."

If you have submitted a passport application and are in urgent need of a passport ahead of the holidays, you can contact the Passport Program at 1-800-567-6868 or visit a Service Canada Centre to request to have their passport transferred to a Service Canada location.

There are 60 Service Canada locations that offer pick-up service.

"If a client mailed their passport application just prior to the start of the Canada Post labour dispute, it’s possible that Service Canada has not received the application," Employment and Social Development Canada said. "In these cases, Service Canada will not be able to process the application until mail service resumes."

You can still apply in person at a Service Canada Centre or passport office.

"Those who will be travelling in the next 6 weeks should apply for their passport as early as possible at a Service Canada point of service that offers 10-business day service to avoid any delays. Estimated wait times for in-person services are available for each office offering this service on Canada.ca," Employment and Social Development Canada said.

"Canadians travelling in more than 6 weeks can visit a Service Canada Centre that offers 20-business day service or a scheduled outreach site to submit their application."

Passports will continue to be processed and printed during the disruption.