Provincial income assistance cheques were mailed this week in anticipation of a work disruption at Canada Post despite an offer by postal workers to deliver the cheques even if a strike or lockout goes ahead.
Volunteers will deliver the cheques in in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the North West Territories, but B.C. was among the jurisdictions to opt out of the plan.
"The volunteer option was to deliver the cheques in a three-day window and did not guarantee a set date," said Ministry of Social Development communications manager David Haslam in an e-mail. "It's important that people using our income assistance programs get their monthly payments on time."
Instead, the cheques for this month were sent out on Wednesday, a week ahead of schedule.
"Delivering income assistance cheques one week early will ensure everyone has their cheques on time," Haslam said. "That's why we've planned ahead just in case there's a work disruption or strike at Canada Post this month."
Volunteers will still deliver federal Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and Child Benefits cheques. Recipients can also receive both the provincial and federal payments by signing up for direct deposit with their respective bank or credit union.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers will be able to exercise its right to strike and Canada Post its right to lock out at midnight on May 24. Both parties must provide 72 hours notice of their intention prior to a strike or lockout.
