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People would have to contact respective ministries to claim social cheques in event of postal strike

Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) could possibly go on strike as early as June 3.

Canada Post said that the CUPW gave them notice of intention to begin strike activities which would go into effect at 11:59 p.m. on June 2, if it did happen.

That would mean Smithers and Telkwa post office operations would stop, as they are operated by members of the CUPW.

"Hopefully we're not going to get there," said Canada Post communications officer John Caines.

Socio-economic cheques will be delivered, he said. Those include Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, child benefits cheques and Veterans Affairs benefits cheques. In places like

For the Bulkley Valley, that will mean contacting the Ministry responsible for issuing the cheque and they will provide specific direction on how to get the money.

While some postal outlets are operated under a retail network with a separate union which wouldn't be directly affected, the Association of Post Office of Canada, Caines points out that their network couldn't be sustained without a mail flow.

Canada Post has issued some information to help people understand how the strike will affect them.