The Government of Saskatchewan is sharing information intended to keep money and mail flowing in the event of a strike by Canada Post. The province estimates a potential labour disruption could begin as early as Friday.
For Social Services payments the Ministry is working on a plan to distribute payment to clients who receive benefits by mail but suggest the easiest way to ensure payments aren’t impacted is to switch to direct deposit.
For the drug plan and extended benefits, the Ministry of Health will accept program applications, documents or receipts for refund submitted by email (DPEB@health.gov.sk.ca) and if you are in Regina the documents can be physically dropped off at the front desk at the TC Douglas Building, located at 3475 Albert Street.
A delay in mail will impact health card applications in addition to orders for birth, death and marriage certificates. Its suggested residents visit eHealthsask.ca for options which could include online orders for the documents you require.
Producers are encouraged to sign-up for direct deposit for receiving program payments for crop insurance. Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) will work with customers to determine alternate options for accessing information typically delivered through Canada Post, such as faxing, emailing or delivering to a customer service office for pick-up.
The Ministry of Finance will make supplier cheques available for pickup in Regina for Government of Saskatchewan suppliers who are unable to register for direct deposit. Suppliers need to call the ministry to arrange for pick up. (306-787-7450)
Businesses are reminded that regardless of a postal strike, they must still file and pay taxes. The deadline for non-electronic filing of returns and payments is the 20th of the month following the end of the reporting period. The due date for returns filed and paid electronically is the last day of the month following the end of the reporting period. Electronic filing and payments will not be impacted.
Saskatchewan businesses that receive their tax refunds through direct deposit will not be affected by a postal disruption. Anyone expecting a refund but not set up with direct deposit can contact the ministry at 1-800-667-6102 to establish direct deposit, delay the receipt of the refund until after the postal disruption or have it sent to by courier (at the recipient’s expense).
And when it comes to the crown corporations, SGI, SaskTel, SaskPower and SaskEnergy all invite customers to sign up for electronic accounts to ensure they receive information about their utility bills, driver’s license renewals and other important communications.
