Municipalities and utilities in the Northwest Territories are warning customers that bills still need paying, even if the physical copy doesn’t hit your mailbox during the Canada Post strike.
A strike affecting some 55,000 workers began late last week. There was no immediate news of any progress toward ending the strike on Monday.
Post offices in Yellowknife and beyond have closed as a result of the strike and Canada Post has said no mail will be accepted or delivered until it ends. Even then, Canada Post says, some time may be needed before services return to normal.
On Monday, a range of NWT institutions began issuing messages telling customers to find other ways to receive their bills.
The Town of Inuvik told residents its November utility invoices could instead be picked up in person at the town office, for payment in person, by phone or via online bankings.
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“Due to the Canada Post strike, we are unable to mail out or receive mail at this time, which include water bills, accounts receivables, cheque payments or invoices. Customers are still obligated to pay bills on the due date,” the Town of Hay River said in a message of its own.
The town said residents can opt to have water bills or statements emailed to them, and can also ask to change from cheque payment to direct deposit.
The NWT Power Corporation, which provides power in many of the territory’s smaller communities, urged people to sign up for online billing in case it isn’t able to send out bills.
Similar messages have gone out nationwide over the past few days. From Ottawa to Kelowna, municipalities and corporations have published notices reminding customers their bills still need paying, even with a strike taking place.
