Canadian Government workers possible strike may cause immigration delays

The Government of Canada has confirmed that the union representing a large number of government workers, including those within the immigration department (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), are now in a legal position to strike. In the event of a labor disruption and strike action, a number of government services may be affected, and this would negatively impact already backlogged processing of applications by IRCC and ESDC/Service Canada. This could, in turn, place additional burden on Border Services Officers at Canadian ports of entry, resulting in longer lines for services delivered by these officers who handle immigration matters at ports of entry into Canada.

A Tax Alert prepared by EY Law LLP, and attached below, provides additional details.