With the latest labour dispute interrupting mail service, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) is reminding industry firms and reps of their obligation to treat clients fairly during the disruption.
On Sept. 25, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) initiated a national postal strike, suspending mail processing and delivery.
FSRA reminded regulated firms and individuals “to take steps to ensure consumers, pension plan beneficiaries, credit union members and any other person whom they must communicate with are treated fairly” during the disruption.
The regulator called on the industry to “ensure they satisfy their statutory obligations by using alternate methods of delivery … until Canada Post operations return to normal.”
FSRA said it will also use alternative forms of delivery for its own communications.
During previous postal disruptions, securities regulators have granted temporary relief from obligations that depend on mail service, such as issuers delivering proxy materials for shareholder meetings.
Canada Revenue Agency also issued a release in response to the strike, urging Canadians to sign up for an online CRA account and direct deposit. It noted that Canada Post has agreed to continue delivering specific social benefit cheques on a set date. Cheques for the Canada Child Benefit, related provincial and territorial programs, and the Alberta child and family benefit if applicable, will be delivered on Oct. 17, 2025. Other benefits, credits and rebate cheques that cannot be delivered will be securely stored until the situation is resolved.