Canada Post Service Disruption

Following news that the Canadian Union of Postal Workers has issued a national strike effective immediately, Manitoba’s health system stands prepared for this service disruption.

As a result of the strike, all staff and clinics have ceased use of Canada Post until further notice. This includes the distribution of patient supplies, notably for clients in the Manitoba Ostomy and Manitoba Home Nutrition Program, patient appointment letters and pre-appointment information.

Patients with upcoming appointments will instead be contacted by phone and / or email and provided with information in advance of their appointments.

Patients with upcoming clinic appointments at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg may receive their appointment confirmation by text message. The text messages, which will originate from a Manitoba 431 phone number, will not include patient information and will only identify the facility, date and time of the scheduled appointment. Messages will include the clinic phone number in the event patients wish to confirm their appointment by phone.

Patients will never be asked to disclose financial information over the phone or via email. Do not engage with anyone who says they require financial information before a health appointment. If patients have questions about the legitimacy of a call, they are encouraged to contact their clinic or care provider directly.

Information packages, facility maps and other important information that is generally sent by mail to patients and clients will be located on regional and / or facility websites for easy patient access.

If you experience a change in condition, need to change or cancel your appointment, or have questions about an upcoming visit, please contact your clinic or primary care provider.

We anticipate clinics will be experiencing a higher-than-normal volume of calls and appreciate your patience during this time.

For more information about health system operations during a Canada Post labour disruption, please visit: Canada Post Service Disruption Information – Shared Health. We also encourage the public to follow Shared Health’s social media channels for program-specific updates and information.