Financial Friday Wednesday: What to Do If There’s a Canada Post Mail Strike

With a potential Canada Post mail strike on the horizon, many Canadians are wondering (and calling our office): What happens if my bills don’t arrive in the mail?

While delays or interruptions in service can be frustrating, they don’t pause your financial obligations. This week’s Financial Wednesday???? focuses on how to stay on top of your bills—even when the mail isn’t moving.

Stay Proactive: Know What You Owe

Even if your paper bill doesn’t arrive, you’re still responsible for paying it on time. Most companies assume you’ll continue to pay as usual, and late payments can still result in interest charges, late fees, or even disruptions in service. Here’s how to take control:

1. Switch to E-Billing

Most utilities, credit cards, phone providers, and other services offer e-billing. Log in to your accounts and opt in to receive bills by email. This ensures you get your statements on time and in full, without relying on mail delivery.

🔎 Tip: Create a “Bills” folder in your email to keep everything organized and easy to find.

If you don’t have access to technology, most local libraries do, and they can help you, and if you do need digital skills, the Adult Learning Centre can help you with phone apps right through to computer usage.

2. Use Online Banking

Your bank’s website or app is your best friend during a postal strike. Set up your billers in your online banking portal and schedule payments to avoid missing due dates.

• Pay directly through your bank account
• Set up automatic payments for recurring bills
• Check due dates and balances even without a paper copy

🔎 Tip: Set up automatic payments to coincide with when an income comes in; This can work well as long as the payment is made before or by the due date.

Don’t have online banking set up yet? Contact your bank’s customer service to walk you through the setup process—it might be easier than you think.

3. Pay In Person at Your Bank

Not comfortable banking online? No problem. You can still pay your bills in person at your local bank branch. Bring your account numbers or old bills with you, and a bank teller can help you make your payments.

• Make sure you know which bills are due soon
• Some companies may also let you pay by phone—check their websites or call their customer support line

🔎 Tip: Like with the e-billing suggestion above, keep your bills together; A folder is good or even a milk bag. Whatever keeps things together in one place works.

4. Call Your Providers

If you’re unsure what you owe or need help accessing your account, call the company directly. Most service providers are understanding during mail disruptions and can help you:

• Confirm your balance
• Extend due dates if necessary
• Suggest alternative payment methods

Save customer service numbers in your phone for quick access.

Stay Informed and Avoid Late Fees

Being prepared is the key to managing your finances during any disruption. By embracing digital options or visiting your bank in person, you can stay in control of your payments and protect your credit score and services.

A postal strike is super frustrating, it’s hard on us as charities, that’s for sure. But we can survive this, you can manage this. If you get really stuck, call 211 and they can help you connect to the right people to help you

The United Way Financial Literacy Team