TORONTO – Time is running out on possible strikes by more than 155,000 federal public service workers.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) announced Wednesday that its members (more than 120,000) have voted “overwhelmingly” in favor of a strike if a deal is not reached with the federal government and had already done the same, the last week, 35,000 Canada Revenue Agency employees. And, as we wrote yesterday, if the big five bargaining groups go on strike, many federal services could be impacted, including tax and passport processing, and numerous other services, including immigration processing. and the disbursement of unemployment benefits. But let’s see today in more detail what the consequences of such a strike could be for Canadians, according to the information collected and published by CTV in a report released today.

CRA The Canada Revenue Agency says that if PSAC – Union of Taxation Employees – members go on strike, “certain services may be affected”, and there could be delays in processing tax returns (especially those submitted in paper form) and time longer waiting times in call centres. The CRA says benefit payments would be prioritized and Canada Child Benefit would continue during any work stoppage. Canadians are still encouraged to file their tax returns as soon as possible.

RCMP The Royal Canadian Mounted Police will continue to offer regular police services throughout the country even during a possible strike. However, services such as administrative support, media relations, web updates, and public access to buildings where the RCMP is located may be disrupted. However, essential services needed for the safety and security of the public will continue as usual.

Canada Border Services Agency CBSA services for travelers and businesses will be maintained.

Canadian Coast Guard Search and rescue, environmental response, and icebreaking services of the Coast Guard will be maintained. However, the services relating to the lighthouses and the program of destroyed, abandoned and dangerous ships could undergo variations. Fisheries and Oceans Canada said indigenous funding programs, licensing, small artisanal ports and fisheries management decisions could be partially or completely disrupted.

Employment and Social Development Canada and Service Canada Essential services will be maintained even in the event of a strike, including Canada’s Retirement Plan, Retirement Insurance, Employment Insurance and Social Security numbers. However, there may be delays in processing and increased wait times in call centres. The offices will remain open, however opening days and hours may vary. The services of the Temporary Foreign Worker Programme, the Canada Education Savings Bond and the Canada Disability Savings Grant and the Canada Disability Savings Bond may be partially or completely interrupted during a strike.

Passports Passport-related services may be partially or completely disrupted in the event of a strike by PSAC members.

Transport Canada Essential services will be maintained but there may be impacts, such as delays in accessing service points. Canadian Transportation Agency In the event of a strike, staff will continue with all regulatory activities, including the issuance of airline licenses and airline, rail and marine determinations. Services that may be partially or totally discontinued include dispute resolution activities and the provision of information via telephone calls and emails.

Global Affairs Canada All essential services that could affect the “safety, security and health of Canadians and other customers” will be maintained. The department will continue to provide travel advice and strike alerts, along with consular services through the Consular Operations Team and the Emergency Watch and Response Center in Ottawa. Consular services, including citizenship and passport services, will continue to be offered to Canadians through the Global Affairs Canada mission network. However, there may be delays. Canadians will still be able to access their passport and applications for proof of citizenship and any documentation.

Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada All essential services that could affect the safety, security and health of Canadians and other customers will be maintained in the event of a strike. Non-essential services may be affected by business disruptions, so delays in processing requests or response times to phone and email inquiries are possible.

Library and Archives Canada Some services may be affected in the event of a strike. Service outlets in Ottawa, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Halifax are expected to remain open. However, Library and Archives Canada warns that there may be disruptions in services. Agriculture and

Agri-Food Canada In the event of a strike, some programs and services may be affected.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada In the event of a strike, some services will still be available (apply online, use online accounts and access some emergency services), however IRCC warns that its services will be affected and there could be delays for : Processing applications, in-person appointments or events, including citizenship ceremonies; contact IRCC by email, telephone or social media; consular citizenship and passport services.

Indigenous Services Canada Some services may be affected by a strike.

Veterans Affairs Canada Current customers will continue to receive their monthly payments for disability benefits, income replacement benefits, and additional compensation for pain and suffering. In the event of a strike, though, there will be significantly reduced capacity to process new benefits. Any benefit requests already in queue will be prioritized based on urgency.

Pic by nrd from Unsplash