Canada Post strike: Alberta activates contingency plan; Edmonton Elections adjust special ballots

In the wake of job action at Canada Post, Alberta says it has activated a contingency plan to ensure critical government mail will continue to be delivered.

Starting Wednesday, mail can be accepted from Albertans at designated Alberta government offices across the province, the government says. No stamps are required.

Albertans who receive mail from the provincial government will get a notification by email or phone indicating where and when they can pick-up and drop-off their mail.

The province says it will never ask for personal information over the phone or for anyone to click on a link in an email.

Non-critical mail will be held by the originating department until Canada Post mail service resumes.

Some government departments are participating in a Canada Post program to deliver socio-economic cheques once a month during the disruption, the province adds. This includes Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) payments, Income Support payments, Seniors’ benefits, Family Support for Children with Disabilities supports, and Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee supports.

Many departments that issue cheques also offer direct deposit. Albertans should contact the government department that issues the payment for more information about signing up for direct deposit.

Edmonton Elections

Meanwhile Edmonton Elections says it is taking other steps to minimize the impacts of the Canada Post strike.

The elections authority says the strike could result in the potential cancellation of voter information cards distributed to approximately 700,000 eligible voters.

As a result, it’s tweaking how it sends out special ballots, and also increasing communication.

Special ballots

• All special ballots must be received by Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.
• Special ballots can be dropped off at the Edmonton Elections office (office hours have been extended from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays).
• Applicants can switch their delivery method from “mail” to “pick up” from the Elections Office
• Alternate arrangements are being made to distribute special ballot packages to applicants who can not pick up their application

Increased communication

• Increased digital ads, advertising on social media and digital billboards
• Voter information postcards and posters at all EPL locations and City of Edmonton recreation centres
• Eligible voters can call 311 to confirm where they can vote