Canada Post will deliver government cheques on Nov. 20, despite the ongoing strike. (Photo: Pattison Media)

By David Opinko

Canada Post delivering government cheques Wednesday, but strike continues

Nov 19, 2024 | 3:18 PM

Canadians will still receive their government benefits in the mail, despite the ongoing strike at Canada Post.

A member of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has confirmed to Pattison Media that letter carriers will deliver cheques on Wednesday morning, November 20, 2024.

Striking employees say they are doing this nationally and are volunteering their time.

The delivery of government cheques during the strike is only being done once.

Negotiations between Canada Post and CUPW continue.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: November 12-17, 2024

Nov 12, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: November 4-10, 2024

Nov 04, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: October 28-November 3, 2024

Oct 28, 2024

While a spokesperson for Canada Post said Tuesday that some progress has been made on smaller issues, there is still a lot of ground to cover.

The union is asking for a cumulative wage hike of 24 per cent over four years for its 55,000 members, while Canada Post has offered an 11.5 per cent increase.

Other wedge issues include job security, benefits and contract work for parcel delivery on weekends.

READ MORE: Canada Post, union sit down with mediator, but still ‘far apart’ as strike drags on

During the strike, the Alberta Government has opened a temporary service for critical mail where items relating to health, safety, financial or other significant harm can be delivered.

Scroll to the bottom of this page to see a full list of government mail drop locations in Alberta.

Even once the strike is over, delays will be expected as staff return to their roles and deal with a backlog of mail.

People are encouraged to sign up for online services for things like benefits and banking statements to ensure there are no disruptions.

Other courier service providers are still open.

READ MORE: Alberta activates contingency mail delivery plan amid Canada Post strike