As the public sector strike continues into its eighth day, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser is warning Canadians that the impact of the ongoing strike is becoming increasingly severe. He stated that citizenship ceremonies have been cancelled, and the immigration backlog is growing, with tens of thousands of applications left unprocessed. The government is working to prioritize essential services, particularly for those whose lives may be in danger.
Families Minister Karina Gould stated that the passport application backlog isn’t increasing as quickly as anticipated because fewer people are currently applying. However, disruptions to other essential services are causing concern for both the government and the public. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has urged the Public Service Alliance of Canada, which represents the 155,000 striking workers, to resolve their issues at the bargaining table to minimize the impact on Canadians.
The strike has led to traffic disruptions and roadblocks, with federal workers blocking access to some roadway exits near downtown Ottawa this morning. The union is expected to provide an update on their negotiations with the government later in the day. With the strike ongoing, Canadians are advised to prepare for potential delays and disruptions to essential services.