News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government advises people that plans are in place to minimize the impact of a work stoppage by Canada Post.

Postal workers went on strike early this morning.

“We are prepared for a service disruption and have contingency plans in place for important services,” said Local Government Minister Aaron Kennedy, who is also minister responsible for Service New Brunswick. “We are aiming to mitigate negative impacts, and we encourage the public to consider using alternative means of communication.”

Service New Brunswick

•           It is strongly recommended all vendors and suppliers who deal with the provincial government sign up for direct deposit to receive their payments.

•           For more information, vendors and suppliers may call 1-888-487-5050 or email [email protected].

•           For information regarding online services on www.snb.ca, residents may call TeleServices at 1-888-762-8600.

Department of Finance and Treasury Board

The Department of Finance and Treasury Board has plans in place to ensure those who rely on government payments continue to receive them. All returns and remittances that are required to be made to the provincial government will continue to be due as per their normal schedule. Monthly remittances of fuel and tobacco taxes by collectors must be remitted by the 25th day of the month following the reporting period. All International Fuel Tax returns for the fourth quarter are due Jan. 31, 2025.

During the Canada Post work stoppage, remittances may be forwarded by courier to the Department of Finance and Treasury Board or submitted at one of Service New Brunswick’s locations throughout the province. People may also fax their returns and make payments through electronic funds transfer options.

Late returns and remittances will be subject to penalty and interest.

For more information, the Finance and Treasury Board revenue and tax administration divisions can be reached by phone at 1-800-669-7070 and by email at [email protected].

Department of Justice and Public Safety: motor vehicle services

Mailed reminders for driver’s licence and vehicle registration renewals will be temporarily placed on hold. Drivers are encouraged to sign up for email registration reminders by opting out of receiving paper reminders in the mail.

The motor vehicle system, with respect to vehicle registrations, will be up to date for validation by police regardless of the work stoppage.

Drivers are encouraged to:

•           check the expiry date on their registration

•           renew their registration online if necessary

•           print the paperwork for their vehicle

At the end of the work stoppage, registrations and the associated stickers will be mailed.

For out-of-province travel, renewal confirmations may not be accepted as proof of registration. Vehicle owners should visit a local Service New Brunswick centre to receive registration and updated stickers.

The following items will be sent by courier and people should expect delays:

•           Information related to inspection stations, suspension notifications and documents to police.

•           Information related to medically at-risk drivers and temporary permits for dealers.

Point assessment letters for drivers will be placed on hold.

Department of Justice and Public Safety: Family Support Orders Service

Cheques will not be sent through Canada Post during the work stoppage. Clients receiving payments under the Family Support Orders Service are urged to sign up for direct deposit.

Those 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 King’s Bench. Clients should speak directly to their enforcement officer for more information.

Clients may verify a payment has been made by visiting the program’s website or calling 1-844-673-4499. Registration is necessary for first-time users.

Clients who normally make family support payments by mail are encouraged to use online or telephone banking or 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 other options can be discussed.

More information is available by calling the Family Support Orders Infoline at 1-844-673-4499.

New Brunswick Public Library Service

Books by Mail and Interlibrary Loan Service, as well as holds between public libraries and online library card registrations, have been suspended. Due dates will be extended.

Department of Social Development

Clients who receive payments from the department and do not have direct bank deposit are encouraged to contact their regional office to arrange for direct deposit.

If clients without direct deposit are expecting payments from the department, these are available at regional offices. Clients can make arrangements for pickup by contacting their regional office or their social worker in advance.

Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development

The Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development will correspond with clients and partners via email and phone.

For more information, the department can be reached by calling 506-453-3826 or by emailing [email protected].