The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), a union representing over 155,000 federal government employees, declared a strike that began yesterday, April 19, 2023. This will affect most government ministries, including Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. (IRCC).
Certain services may be delayed or not provided at all during this labour disruption. In addition, the public may have difficulty accessing specific Government of Canada buildings where services are provided. But don’t let this deter you from applying for a certain visa; instead, we recommend that you move on with the process so that you can receive them sooner while we await the outcome of the strike.
What Services May Be Disrupted During the Strike?
Most IRCC services, like most government services in Canada, are affected. You may expect delays in the following areas:
- processing applications
- in-person appointments or events including citizenship ceremonies
- contacting IRCC via email, phone or social media
- consular citizenship and passport services
- passport services in Canada
What IRCC Services Will Still Be Available?
According to IRCC, some services will continue to be provided to applicants. You will still be able to do the following:
- apply online
- mail applications to IRCC
- access some emergency immigration services
- use your online accounts.
These services continue to be provided by non-governmental organizations:
- settlement services from IRCC partner organizations
- health care through the Interim Federal Health Program
- visa application centres outside of Canada
Why Are IRCC Employees on Strike?
The union, which represents over 155,000 Canadian public servants, says it is striking for better pay, a better work-life balance, greater workplace inclusion, and fewer layoffs by creating more jobs rather than contracting roles to private businesses.
On April 17, the government said that both parties were in talks to negotiate an agreement and prevent the strike. At the time, the government proposed a 9% pay raise over three years, mirroring the recommendations of the third-party Public Interest Commission.
One of the most pressing concerns is ensuring that PSAC members may continue to work remotely. According to the union, during the COVID-19 pandemic, public employees were just as successful working remotely as they were in the office, and 90% of employees want to continue working remotely.
The government claims that the requests, as currently constituted, will have a significant impact on its ability to provide services to Canadians and hinder its ability to efficiently manage people inside the public sector.
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