Quebec Government Calls for Truce in Canada Post Strike to Ensure Municipal Elections Information Delivery
With a looming Canada Post strike threatening to disrupt mail delivery during the upcoming municipal elections across Quebec, the Legault government is urging a temporary truce. The goal is to guarantee that critical voter information is delivered to residents in time for the November elections.
Quebec Appeals to Common Sense
Geneviève Guilbault, Quebec's Minister of Municipal Affairs, stated on Tuesday that the province is appealing to both the postal workers' union and the federal government to find an agreement. This agreement would allow voter information cards to be sent to millions of voters in the coming weeks, ensuring informed participation in the democratic process.
Voter notices are crucial in Quebec, confirming that electors are registered on the voters' list and providing essential details like voting locations and times. “We ask for the federal government and the union to find a way to distribute [these cards]," said Guilbault. "For the rest, it is the federal government's responsibility to find a solution to the general conflict.”
Impact of the Strike on Elections
Quebecers are scheduled to elect their municipal representatives on Nov. 2, with approximately 8,000 municipal council positions being contested across 1,100 municipalities. The timely delivery of voter information cards is essential for ensuring maximum voter turnout.
Guillaume Tremblay, president of the Union des municipalités du Québec, emphasized the importance of recognizing the delivery of voter notices as an essential service. "Our objective is not to interfere in a conflict between Canada Post and its employees — far from it — but we are asking that this be recognized as an essential service."
Élections Québec Seeks Solutions
Élections Québec confirmed in a statement that municipalities are required to mail the voter information cards to all voters after nominations close on Oct. 3. Municipalities with over 20,000 residents must also send a reminder card by Oct. 25 specifying the voting location.
The organization is working with the Municipal Affairs Ministry to find a solution to the potential disruption caused by the strike. They plan to share information with municipalities as soon as it becomes available.
Montreal and Other Cities Respond
In Quebec's largest city, Élections Montréal is closely monitoring the situation. They are in communication with Élections Québec, Canada Post, and other cities facing similar challenges. The City of St. John's, N.L., has already postponed its municipal election to Oct. 8 due to the strike.
Élections Montréal is exploring possible options. Currently, call centre agents are available to assist Montreal voters at 514-872-VOTE throughout the election period.
Concerns Regarding Non-Domiciled Electors
The strike also raises concerns about the timely arrival of ballots for non-domiciled electors, such as cottage owners or business co-owners who are permitted to vote by mail in some Quebec municipalities. The potential delay in receiving these ballots could disenfranchise these voters.
