On Friday, November 15, 2024, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) announced a national strike. Canada Post’s operations will be shut down for the duration of the strike.
How the strike affects CRT processes
While many of the CRT’s processes are completed online or by email, the CRT is affected by the Canada Post shutdown for processes that use postal mail including:
- Receiving paper applications
- Serving a Dispute Notice package
- Receiving paper responses
- Communicating with participants who do not have access to a computer
- Sending CRT decisions to parties that have not provided an email address
The CRT uses BC Mail Plus, a mail processing service, to send and receive postal mail. During the strike, BC Mail Plus will hold outgoing mail. When Canada Post resumes service, mail will be deposited to Canada Post in the order it was received.
Making a CRT Claim during the strike
When submitting a CRT claim, we ask if you want to serve the Dispute Notice package (Applicant Service) or if you want the CRT to serve it for you (CRT Service).
Since CRT Service is by postal mail, choosing CRT Service will result in a delay. Once Canada Post resumes service and BC Mail Plus has deposited your Dispute Notice package with Canada Post, the CRT will update the response due date.
Applicants may choose Applicant Service and serve respondents themselves using a method permitted in the CRT’s rules. Learn about serving a Dispute Notice package.
Responding to a CRT Dispute Notice
If you receive a CRT Dispute Notice package, learn how to respond to a claim. If you need more time to respond, contact us and ask for an extension.
If you have questions about postal mail processes in a current dispute, please contact your case manager or contact us.
If you need help understanding your options after receiving a CRT decision, you may want to get legal advice.