News Releases

Media Bulletin - Manitoba

August 26, 2016

Provincial Government Distribution of Essential Mail Continues Due to 72-hour Strike Notice Being Issued



The Manitoba government has been advised the Canadian Union of Postal Workers issued a 72-hour notice of strike action that would take effect at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 29.  No information about the type of strike activities planned is available at this time.

The province will hold all non-essential mail until the situation is resolved.  Manitobans are reminded government cheques and other essential mail items are available for pickup.

A listing of locations where cheques may be picked up or dropped off throughout the province is attached.  These offices will be open Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.  Proper identification is required to pick up a cheque.

For other programs, follow these instructions:
• New and replacement health cards and temporary out-of-province certificates can be picked up on the main floor at 300 Carlton St.
• For information on maintenance enforcement cheques, call 204-945-1761 or email the program at ManitobaMEPInquiries@gov.mb.ca.
• For regular cheques by mail from the Public Guardian and Trustee, contact the Adult Services Administrator directly to make alternate arrangements.
• For information about Employment Manitoba cheques and where to pick up, call 204-945 0575 in Winnipeg or 1-866-332-5077 (toll-free).
• For information about Disaster Financial Assistance cheques and where to pick up, call204-945-3030 in Winnipeg or 1-888-267-8298 (toll-free).
• Tax return due dates remain unchanged.  Visit www.gov.mb.ca/finance/taxation for more information.
• Manitoba housing cheques, including STAT55, rent supplement and portable housing benefit, are to be picked up at 200-352 Donald St.

Individuals can call 1-866-626-4862 (toll-free) or visit www.manitoba.ca/notice with questions about the postal disruption and which location is closest to them.  Manitobans are also encouraged to contact the department issuing the cheque to ensure the cheque is ready.

The Manitoba government mails approximately 50,000 cheques every month. If the postal strike does not take place, regular government mail will resume as quickly as possible.

Manitobans who currently receive payments or benefits by direct deposit will not be affected.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED




Backgrounder
Background Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2016/08/Backgrounder_BULLETIN-Postal_Distruption_August-FI-HL.doc