Canada federal workers strike: What government services will be impacted?
You should file your taxes early – and expect some delays in processing
More than 100,000 federal workers moved into legal strike position last week and could strike on Wednesday, which will likely have an impact on several services in Canada, including tax filing.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), says a significant percentage of the federal workforce across the country — more than 124,000 — could go on strike, if they don't reach an agreement by 9 p.m. on Tuesday. The union continues to negotiate with the government, namely on wages, job security and remote work policies.
That number doesn’t account for the tens of thousands of workers who are deemed essential, and therefore are unable to walk from their job.
The government’s website states that they are “committed to negotiating collective agreements that are fair for employees and reasonable for taxpayers.”
A strike, which could roll out between now and the beginning of June, would impact 23 federal departments and agencies, as listed on the government’s website.
Last year, the union laid out how the strike would work, suggesting that there could be selected, targeted or rotating strikes. This is when specific work locations in a city, region, or province organize picket lines for a day, or a series of days at a time, rather than one sweeping strike across the country.
What will be impacted by a strike from Canada's federal workers?
Many departments will feel an impact of the strike, which in turn, will impact Canadians.
In the midst of tax season, 35,000 Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) employees are set to walk off the job as of Friday. The feds say "we anticipate there may be delays in processing some income tax and benefit returns, particularly those filed by paper, and increased wait times in our contact centres." Additionally, certain CRA services may be delayed or unavailable. Benefit payments will be prioritized and Canada child benefit will continue despite any potential labour disruption.
Those looking for services with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, can expect delays with procedures such as application processing, in-person appointments and events, such as citizenship ceremonies, consular citizenship and passport services in Canada.
Service Canada expects full or partial disruption for a number of services, including passport services, grants and contributions programs, the temporary foreign worker program, Canada education savings grant, Canada learning bond, Canada disability savings grant and Canada disability savings bond, the job bank and biometrics collection.
Some Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada support programs and services could be impacted.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada expect partial or full disruption to services including fisheries enforcement, aquaculture management and invasive species, Indigenous funding programs, licensing, fisheries management decisions, marine mammal response and small craft harbours.
Global Affairs Canada anticipates delays with consular services.
Veterans Affairs Canada anticipates it "will have a significantly reduced capacity to process new payments." A strike could also impact career transition services, education and training benefit, disability benefits, caregiver recognition allowance, case management services, benefits and medical services, in-person appointments and responses to calls and messages.
Departments that are deemed essential services, and aren’t expected to be disrupted by strike action include the Canada child benefit, Health Canada services and the majority of RCMP services.
