April 28, 2023: Over 150,000 government employees, members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, have been in a legal strike position since April 19, 2023.
Today marks Day 10, since the government workers began their strike.
As the IRCC strike enters its second week, the impact on immigration services continues to grow. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser acknowledged during a news conference that the severity of the strike’s impact depends on its duration, though he was unable to provide specific timelines or delays applicants may face.
In response to the ongoing strike, IRCC has released an FAQ page providing clients with information on available services during this time.
Although some services will continue to function, delays in processing applications, citizenship ceremonies, and in-person appointments are expected.
You can keep checking back for updates as this page will be updated daily.
+1 News will continue to provide latest updates on IRCC’s strike, and how it will affect you.
IRCC services that are available and those that will be facing delays due to the IRCC strike:
Some immigration services remain available during the IRCC strike. You can still:
- Apply online
- Mail applications to IRCC
- Use your online accounts
- Access some emergency services
These services offered by non-governmental organizations are still available during the IRCC strike:
- Settlement services from the partner organizations
- Health care through the Interim Federal Health Program
- Visa application centers outside of Canada
Due to the PSAC strike, IRCC clients should expect delays with:
- processing applications
- in-person appointments or events including citizenship ceremonies
- contacting IRCC via email or phone
- consular citizenship services
IRCC Strike Updates: The Latest Scoop
Canada immigration applicants, get ready for processing delays due to the ongoing IRCC strike this month. With PSAC members, including IRCC employees, on strike, until the government meets their demands, we’ll keep you updated on the daily happenings from reliable sources.
IRCC Strike Day 9: Political Attacks continue, nothing concrete as the Government continues to stay firm
April 27, 2023: The opposition parties continue to blame Justin Trudeau for the delays in finding a resolution for the strike.
Leader of the Official Opposition Pierre Poilievre blamed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for causing this strike even after spending an additional $20 Billion on Federal Bureaucracy.
PM Justin Trudeau was also attacked by Poilievre for taking a trip to New York during the largest strike in the Canadian History.
The Government stays firm on their counter offer. Mona Forteir, President of the Treasury Board labelled union’s demands to be ‘Unreasonable”.
The Government persists to get a deal which values the hard work that their employees do, and is also fair for the taxpayers.
Following is the status of the PSAC’s demands and the Government’s counter offer.
| PSAC Demands | Government’s Offer |
|---|---|
| Wage increase of 13.5% (flexible, but better than 9%) | Maintains 9% wage increase |
| Telework agreement in all departments, except CRA | Suggests formal joint review of telework directives with unions |
| No contracting out of public service jobs | Willing to reduce contracting out, but not to zero due to potential impact on service delivery |
IRCC Strike Day 8: The Government Stands Firm
April 26, 2023: The Canadian government remains resolute, with Mona Fortier reiterating that she can’t “write a blank cheque” and that a 9% offer seems fair.
PM Trudeau acknowledged that Canadians may face more difficulties accessing services in the coming days, but he insists the government is negotiating the best deal for everyone, including taxpayers.
Despite criticism for attending a reception in New York during the strike, Trudeau remains steadfast.
PSAC’s president warns that if the prime minister can disregard striking workers, he could turn his back on all workers in the country.
IRCC Strike Day 7: NDP Leader calls on Prime Minister to Personally Interfere:
On April 25, 2023: Leader of NDP Jagmeet Singh is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to get directly involved in the negotiation. Jagmeet Singh emphasized the importance of public servants and their work in everyday Canadians’ lives.
The Prime Minister often talks about the importance of the Public workers, where is he then? If he thinks workers are important, if he takes this matter seriously, He should be showing up & getting personally involved in finding a solution”
Jagmeet Singh, Leader NDP
With NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to get directly involved in the negotiations, it is clear that the strike has become a significant political issue.
Union Demands Persist
The union vows to continue striking until their demands are met. While some employees may consider the 9% wage hike a genuine raise, they’re waiting to see if the union can secure a better offer.
Bottom Line: What is going on with the IRCC’s strike?
In an open letter shared by President of the Treasury Board Hon. Mona Fortier, the government stated that the union came to the table with over 570 demands, out of which both parties have come to an agreement on most of the demands except for a ‘handful’.
The government offered the employees a 9% pay increase over a period of 3 years.
Meanwhile, tensions between the government and PSAC persist. Yesterday, PSAC Leader Chris Aylward stated in an interview that while the government’s 9% pay increase proposal is a positive step, it is still not acceptable to the union.
This offer of Wage increase by the Government does not even keep up with the inflation. While it remains to be seen whether this disagreement will be resolved soon or if the PSAC’s strike will continue to disrupt services for an extended period.
Today, on April 25, 2023, the PSAC President announced that the union has compromised on their wage demand, stating that “We want the strike to end. We DO NOT want to keep our members on strike.”
As the strike is also having a negative impact on Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a large number of IRCC services are feeling the strike’s effect. On this page, +1 News will provide regular updates on the IRCC strike as it unfolds.
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