Canada Post strike disrupts health screenings, document renewals

The average number of letters people receive has dropped significantly over the years — down to just two per week compared to seven per week in 2006, according to Canada Post.

The average number of letters people receive has dropped significantly over the years — down to just two per week compared to seven per week in 2006, according to Canada Post.

Nevertheless, when you do get the odd envelope, it’s likely for a good reason: a government notice, bank update or other crucial missive that can’t be transmitted online.

The ongoing postal strike is highlighting just how important that mail can be, said Marvin Ryder, a professor with McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business in Hamilton.

“People forgot,” Ryder suggested of the key role provided by snail mail.

“They simply forgot about things like renewing a passport. There are over 80,000 passports waiting in Mississauga. They’ve been printed, they’re ready to go, but we deliver them by letter mail.”

Now three weeks in, the strike’s effects are hard to miss. Here are some of the things affected by the mail shutdown:

Canadians waiting on government documents, such as passports and health cards, can expect delays.

The federal government says those who didn’t pay extra to pick up their passports will be affected. Those who need the document urgently are advised to call Service Canada or visit in person to request the passport be made available for pickup instead.