Sask. government plans for postal shutdown
Service disruption could come as soon as July 2
The government of Saskatchewan wants to make sure a postal disruption does not stop people from getting their cheques or prevent businesses from paying their taxes.
Postal workers could be off the job as soon as July 2.
Ministry officials in Social Services say people who receive monthly cheques should get them by June 30th.
The programs include:
- Saskatchewan Assistance Program;
- Transitional Employment Allowance;
- Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability
- Child and Family Programs
- Community Living (Family Respite, Approved Private-Service Homes, Cognitive Disability Strategy)
The government says most people get their cheques by direct deposit and it encourages those who still use the mail service to make the switch.
Otherwise, cheques can be picked up at service centres throughout the province until any disruption to the mail service ends.
More information will be added to the provincial website after June 30.
Finance ministry wants its taxes paid
Meanwhile, officials in the ministry of Finance want businesses to pay their consumption taxes by the deadline of the 20th of each month.
It says that can be done electronically or through some chartered banks.
There are also two offices in the province — one in Regina and one in Saskatoon where payments can be dropped off.
Refunds will continue to be made by direct deposit. For businesses who get their tax refunds by mail, they can wait for the postal strike to end to get their cheques or make arrangements for direct deposit or a courier to be sent collect.
Business owners with questions can get more information from the provincial government by email or by calling toll free 1-800-667-6102.
City of Saskatoon bills and taxes
A city spokesperson said residents' billing and payments will continue as usual in the event of a postal strike.
However, people would need to find out what they owe in other ways than their traditional paper bill.
Shelley Sutherland director of corporate revenue, said most bill inquiries and payments can be made online on the city's website through the eBill service.
"It will also give them access to all their utility account information, which will be historical billings plus payments and that sort of thing," Sutherland said.
If online isn't an option, people can call the revenue customer service line to check their bill balance, or drop off cheques at city hall in person in a drop box. Other payments can be at the payment centre at city hall.
For city taxes, which are due June 30, payments can be made at banks or at city hall. The city said it will accept cheque payments by mail, so long as the envelope is postmarked by the due date.