Hey movers, shakers, and future Canadians,
So… Canada’s mail system has been hit with the mother of pauses… What’s that all about?
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has launched a nationwide strike, and while most of us are just annoyed about late packages and “Sorry, delayed delivery” emails, for immigration applicants, this is not a small thing.
For many newcomers, Canada Post is more than just mail. Not to be dramatic, but it’s the artery connecting them to permanent residency, passports, study permits, and work authorization. So you see why it’s troublesome that this artery’s clogged, right?
🚨 What’s going on?
The strike comes after government-backed reforms to phase out door-to-door delivery (because apparently walking up driveways is so 2015). While negotiations continue, service across the country has been suspended or severely slowed.
And here’s why it’s a big deal:
PR cards: If you’re waiting for your permanent resident card, it’s likely sitting in a pile somewhere. No card = no travel.
Passports: They’re being processed but not delivered. If you didn’t pay for pickup or a private courier, that dream trip might have to wait.
Study/work permits: Paper submissions? Good luck. Stick to IRCC’s online portals if you don’t want your future lost in transit.
Access to services: Even with approval, many agencies still want physical proof; not a portal notification. Meaning healthcare, SINs, and driver’s licenses could all get delayed.
Oh, and couriers like FedEx, UPS, and Purolator? Yeah, everyone’s rushing to them too. Expect slower times and higher costs.
🧠 What you can do
You can’t control the strike, but you can outsmart it.
Use IRCC’s online portals for all submissions.
Check your account daily for updates; especially for permits that show “printed” before mailing.
Contact IRCC proactively if you risk missing a deadline.
Plan for courier delays; give yourself extra days, not hours.
Talk to a licensed consultant if you’re already cutting it close.
The bottom line: this strike might be temporary, but the consequences for newcomers can be long-term.
💼 Career Moves: Stop selling yourself short (literally)
Here’s a truth HR will never tell you outright: companies don’t care what you want from a job.
They care what you can fix.
So if you’re prepping for an interview, don’t start with “I’m passionate about growth.”
Start with: “Here’s what I noticed about your challenges, and how I’d fix them.”
Before the big day, write down three issues you think the company’s facing — then map your skills to them. Now you’re not just another prospect/ candidate; you’re a solution (they so desperately need)
🔥 Check out our guide on how to frame your value like a pro (and make recruiters forget everyone else).
🥦 Life Stuff: Groceries are eating your wallet
If your grocery bills are giving “mini heart attack at checkout,” you’re not alone.
Canada’s Food Price Report 2025 says grocery costs are up another 3–5% this year. A family of four now drops around $16,834 annually on food; roughly $800 more than last year.
So yeah, “food for thought” has never been more expensive.
Here are a few quick wins for your next grocery run:
🛒 Shop midweek. That’s when markdowns on meat and produce hit shelves.
🥫 Go generic. Store brands can save you 15–30% per item.
🍎 Buy local and seasonal. Strawberries in June > strawberries in January.
📱 Use apps. Flipp, Flashfood, and Checkout 51 are basically money-back machines.
💳 Stack rewards. PC Optimum + a cashback card = grocery Avengers.
👉 The guys over at Moving2Canada have put up a 2025 grocery savings guide — packed with smart, newcomer-tested hacks. You should check it out!
Express Entry: Skilled Enough or Just Young Enough?
Who’s winning under Canada’s points system? Energetic 25‑year‑olds or seasoned 40‑something professionals? We dig into how age and experience are scored, and how you can level the playing field.
America’s $100,000 H‑1B Fee & Canada’s Opening (Especially for Africans)
The U.S. just slapped a $100K fee on new H‑1B applications. That’s shifting the global talent war. Here’s how Nigerians and Africans eyeing Canada benefit — and what your best moves are.
Click here to find new job openings
It’s a new month, new quarter, same you (but maybe with a few changes?) So tell us: how are you feeling about Q4?
✉️ BEFORE YOU GO...
If this email made you laugh, sigh, or Google “Canada Post strike updates,” forward it to another newcomer who could use a little clarity (and chaos).
We’re New Local; here to help you live, work, and thrive in Canada… even when your mail doesn’t.
See you next week!
You can always reach us at [email protected].
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— Dami from New Local