MAIL STRIKE: How to access Peel services in Mississauga and Brampton during the Canada Post strike

Canada Post workers are on strike as of Friday and some residents may face delays in accessing government services and benefit payments.

Approximately 55 thousand workers walked off the job Friday. Canada Post said mail and parcels will not be delivered during the strike, and some post offices will be closed.

In a statement Friday, Peel Region outlined how services will be kept on track during the strike.

People who send payments via Canada Post will need to find alternatives. Service Peel counters are open at  two Peel Region offices — 10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton and 7120 Hurontario St., Mississauga — from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. However, payments can be made after hours by using outside drop boxes.

Ontario Works payments through direct deposit or the re-loadable payment card will arrive as usual. People who get benefit cheques in the mail will need to contact their Ontario Works caseworker to sign up for alternatives. People can also pick up cheques at the Service Peel counters from Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

People who get their water bill via mail will be impacted. During the strike, customers will have an extended due date on their bills, providing sufficient time to avoid late payment charges.

Peel asks residents to sign up for the e-billing option. The account number and postal code is all that is needed to sign up. E-billing customers automatically receive an alert when a new bill is issued and payment is due. Sign up at peelregion.idoxs.ca.

Peel Region has e-billing services. The EZ-Pay service can be used to make a one-time payment at EZ-pay. People can also call 905-791-8711 and press 2 to Peel’s Interactive Voice Response system to pay bills.

Child care subsidy documents can be sent online or brought to the above offices in person.

Healthy Smiles Ontario Parent notification forms can be dropped off at 7120 Hurontario St., Mississauga, the Fairview Clinic – 325 Central Parkway, Unit 21, Mississauga, or Brampton East Clinic – 150 Central Park Dr., Unit 302. Contact 905-799-7700 ext. 5622 with any questions.

Payments for seniors’ dental program clients may be delayed during the strike.

Garbage tags are only available in person at select locations during the strike.

People who pay Peel Living rent by mail can set up pre-authorized payments, electronic payments through a bank or drop payments at the Service Peel counters. Call Peel Living at 905-790-7335 for more information.

Long-term care and adult day services invoices can be accessed in person at your Long Term Care centre.