Canada Post employees are on strike for the foreseeable future.
What do you do if you are depending on receiving something important in the mail from the Government like applying or registering for a program?
Maybe you are waiting on a permit, license or cheque to arrive?
Of course, where possible, you are encouraged to use online services however, that isn’t always possible. Below you will find details on the plans in place for various services.
Registry of Motor Vehicles
During the postal service disruption, the following Registry of Motor Vehicles documents will remain valid for 15 business days after the mail disruption ends:
- temporary driver’s licenses issued or expired during the strike period (issued online or temporary through Access Nova Scotia)
- online vehicle permit renewal receipts issued or expired during the strike period
Health cards
During the postal service disruption, expired health cards will still be accepted. If you’re applying for a health card, contact the MSI inquiry line at 902-496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 to start your application (MSI will hold your application and mail the form to you when mail services resume).
Payments
Direct deposit
If you’re currently receiving payments or benefits by direct deposit, the deposit won’t be affected during an interruption.
If you’d like your payments to be deposited directly into your bank account, contact the program to setup direct deposit so your payments are not delayed. The program may need you to complete and return a form by fax or in person.
Cheques
During an interruption, if cheques are being mailed to you, you may experience a delay in receiving them. If you’re expecting a cheque, contact the department issuing it to make sure that it’s ready and confirm where you should pick it up.
Government will also reach out to clients who still get cheques directly to arrange pickup (for example, Community Services caseworkers will reach out to their clients).
Additional government correspondence locations
Government has designated locations where you can drop off and receive provincial government correspondence (mail).
Drop off locations
Starting 20 November 2024, Access Nova Scotia locations throughout the province will begin accepting provincial government correspondence that can’t be sent electronically.
Pick up locations
Starting 30 November 2024, Access Nova Scotia locations will also be available for Nova Scotians to pick up high-priority items (government will be in touch with clients to make sure pick-up items are going to the right location).
If you’re picking up correspondence at an Access Nova Scotia location, you’ll need to show a valid government ID mail. Pick up at will be available on Saturdays from 9 am to 1:00 pm.
When picking up correspondence, you should wait 2 Saturdays from the time government sends your item to Access Nova Scotia.
