Canada Post Strike Overview

As the ongoing Canada Post strike enters its second week, with more than 55,000 postal workers participating, Canadians are being warned of possible delays in receiving important banking materials, including debit and credit cards.

With discussions between Canada Post and the workers' union still stalled and both sides remaining "far apart" in negotiations, there's uncertainty about when mail delivery, including essential banking items, will return to normal operations. Many post offices have closed their doors, causing widespread disruptions across the country.

Banking institutions are ramping up communications to inform customers about these potential delays. While many financial documents like banking statements are now accessible online, vital items such as cheques and bank cards still rely on postal services.

Here’s What You Can Do!

1. Stay Connected: RBC has already updated its site, informing clients that printed statements won't arrive until after the strike concludes. Customers awaiting investment cheques or new cards should remain proactive, ensuring payments are made on time using RBC’s online and mobile platforms. Alternatively, you can visit a branch or utilize telephone banking to explore options.

2. Scotiabank Clients: Customers of Scotiabank should note that there will be delays in cheque deliveries until the disruption is resolved. For those who have recently applied for a credit card or a replacement card, it's essential to contact the bank’s 24-hour service. There may be options to have your card delivered directly to a branch for pickup, while local branches can assist with debit card inquiries.

3. Tangerine Customers: If you’re banking with Tangerine, there are expected delays in the delivery of replacement cards for lost or stolen ones, as well as new client cards. However, the bank reassured customers that these items can be sent via Purolator, an alternative service reportedly continuing operations.

4. TD Canada Trust Information: For clients waiting on new or replacement credit cards from TD Canada Trust, it’s advisable to connect with the bank to arrange for branch delivery. In-person service at a TD branch can assist with the issuance of TD Access Cards like VISA debit cards.

5. CIBC Updates: CIBC has indicated that existing cards will remain valid until their expiration dates, while new cards might be held until postal services resume. It’s recommended for clients expecting new cards to utilize mobile wallets until physical cards arrive.

6. The Bank of Montreal (BMO): BMO has assured customers that both new and replacement debit cards can be picked up at local branches, emphasizing a personalized approach to meet customer needs during this time.

Stay Proactive!

All banks encourage their customers to register for online banking to manage their accounts effectively. Setting up pre-authorized payments and linking cards to mobile wallets will help ensure that finances are streamlined as this postal disruption continues.

What’s Next?

As the situation unfolds, it’s critical for customers to stay informed and actively check their banking institutions' websites or customer service lines for updates. The longer the strike goes on, the greater the impact on daily banking needs. And as the negotiation battle continues, we can only hope that resolution comes quickly to alleviate these delays.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Canada Post strike as we continue to monitor its effects on the services you rely on!