With another Canada Post strike looming, the City of Prince George is recommending that residents avoid sending any municipal bill payments like property taxes for the time being.
On Monday, May 19, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers issued Canada Post strike notices for both its urban and rural mail carrier members effective midnight on Friday, May 23.
In an email on Tuesday, May 20, a spokesperson for the city said it had anticipated a potential strike and made sure all property tax notices were sent out last week.
“If anyone did not receive their tax notice, they can contact the city on 311 to arrange to pick it up or to have it emailed,” the spokesperson said.
Instead of paying property taxes by mailing a cheque, the city asks residents to consider alternative options like paying through their online banking service, in person at their banking service or in person at the front counter of Prince George City Hall, which is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday each week.
“Residents are encouraged to use these alternative methods to ensure timely payment during the mail service disruption,” the spokesperson said.
“The city wants to remind residents that, despite the disruption to mail services due to the upcoming strike, payment of tax bills, parking tickets, and other charges remains the responsibility of residents. Property taxes are due by July 4, 2025.”
The strike was put on hold late last year, when the Canada Industrial Relations Board ordered employees back to work on Dec. 17, 2024 to allow for more bargaining.
Disability benefits, income assistance
Meanwhile, the provincial government announced it is taking steps to ensure people continue to receive provincial disability and income assistance if postal workers go on strike later this week.
The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction reported it is working to ensure May payments are delivered on time using strategies developed during the November-December 2024 strike, when 98 per cent of monthly payments were distributed.
Roughly 88 per cent of recipients are expected to receive payments by direct deposit, which will not be affected by a potential postal disruption. Those who have not yet signed up for direct deposit can do so by:
- calling toll-free: 1-866-866-0800
- visiting MySelfServe.gov.bc.ca
- attending a ministry office in person
All cheques normally mailed to clients and service providers will instead be delivered to ministry offices for pickup.
Clients who cannot visit an office in person can contact the ministry to arrange alternative delivery.
Other options include picking up a cheque from the nearest ministry or participating Service BC office, or authorizing someone else in writing to collect it on their behalf.
Seniors' supplement
While most seniors receive their core financial assistance through federal programs like Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), the province also provides a monthly top-up through the B.C. Seniors’ Supplement.
The supplement ranges from $1 to $100 for singles and $2 to $220.50 for couples.
If delivered by mail, these cheques will be distributed by Canada Post volunteers under the Socio-Economic Cheque Delivery program, which prioritizes essential benefits for vulnerable seniors.
Seniors with questions about OAS or GIS should contact Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914.
Assistance
Anyone with concerns about income or disability assistance, or the Seniors’ Supplement, is encouraged to call the ministry at 1-866-866-0800. Seniors may also email [email protected] for help arranging payment.
With files from Citizen staff
