Home  /  2023  /  April

Strikes can have a significant impact on various government services in Canada, including passports, immigration, and taxes. When government employees go on strike, it can disrupt these services and create delays and other issues for Canadians.

Passports

Passport services are managed by the federal government, and when employees go on strike, it can lead to delays in processing times for new passport applications or renewals. This can be a major inconvenience for Canadians who need to travel internationally for work or personal reasons.

During a strike, the government may prioritize passport applications based on urgency, but this still may result in significant delays. Canadians who require a passport in a short timeframe may need to explore expedited processing options, which can be more expensive.

Immigration

Immigration services are also managed by the federal government, and when employees go on strike, it can lead to delays in processing times for applications for visas, permanent residency, and citizenship. This can create uncertainty and stress for individuals and families who are waiting for decisions on their immigration status.

During a strike, the government may prioritize certain types of applications based on urgency, but this still may result in significant delays. Applicants may need to explore alternative options or seek legal advice to navigate the process.

Taxes

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) manages taxes in Canada, and when employees go on strike, it can disrupt the processing of tax returns and other services. This can lead to delays in receiving tax refunds or accessing other benefits that are tied to tax returns.

During a strike, the CRA may extend certain deadlines or offer alternate ways to access services, such as online options. However, this may not be enough to alleviate the impact of a strike on Canadians who rely on these services.