FREDERICTON (GNB) – Clients who normally receive family support payments by mail are being advised by the Department of Justice and Public Safety to make alternate arrangements in the event of a possible work stoppage at Canada Post.

Client receiving payments under the Family Support Orders Service program are urged to sign up for direct deposit. A form is available online.

Cheques will not be sent through Canada Post should there be a work stoppage, and payments issued after Wednesday, June 22, will not be sent by mail as a precaution.

Clients who cannot arrange for direct deposit may request to pick up their cheques at one of the eight judicial district offices of the Court of Queen’s Bench, family division, in Bathurst, Campbellton, Edmundston, Fredericton, Moncton, Miramichi, Saint John and Woodstock. Pickup requests may be arranged by contacting the central payment unit at 506-444-4131.

Clients may verify that a payment has been made by visiting the program’s website. Registration is necessary for first-time users. Clients may also call the Infoline at 1-888-488-3767.

Clients who normally make family support payments by mail are encouraged to use online or telephone banking. They may also make payments in person at their local Service New Brunswick office.

Employers are encouraged to contact the central payment unit to make arrangements for electronic file transfers or online banking. Employers should contact the unit if those methods are not available so that other options can be discussed.

More information about government programs and services that could be impacted by a potential work stoppage by Canada Post is available online.