Canada’s largest public service union, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), has announced that it will be going on strike from Wednesday, causing concern about how it will affect the tax deadline. Over 155,000 workers at the Canada Revenue Agency and the Treasury Board are expected to go on strike as they demand better pay and flexibility around remote work.
Chris Aylward, the national president for PSAC, said that the union is still hoping for a “fair deal” and that they have exhausted every other avenue to reach a fair contract for Canada’s Federal Public Service workers. Aylward also added that PSAC’s bargaining teams will remain at the table night and day as they have been for weeks and are ready to reach a fair deal as soon as the government is ready to come to the table with a fair offer.
The strike comes just two weeks before the tax deadline, and many are concerned about how it will affect their financial situation. While online services will still be available during the strike, there may be increased wait times for call centres, and delays are possible for processing income tax and benefit returns – particularly those filed by paper.
Laurie Campbell, the vice-president of client solutions and client financial wellness at Bromwich+Smith, said that many people could be left in limbo with their financial situation, and those waiting for a tax return could face further delays. She suggests filing online, but if you need to use mail, be sure to keep copies of everything.
A staggering increase in the number of people dealing with high debt levels is adding to the urgency this year. Campbell said that between February 2022 and February 2023, insolvencies across the country increased by 24 percent. She emphasized the importance of everyone filing their taxes to avoid any penalties, saying that interest and penalties can really add up, especially if you owe debt to the CRA. Campbell warned that there will be no forgiveness for those who don’t file their taxes.
It remains to be seen how long the strike will last and whether it will have a significant impact on the tax deadline. However, the PSAC is determined to continue its strike until a fair deal is reached for Canada’s Federal Public Service workers.