The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will not extend the deadline for Canadians to file their taxes if workers decide to strike.
After members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) voted overwhelmingly in favour of striking last Friday, a spokesperson for the CRA told Global News that there is no plan to extend the deadline for Canadians who still need to file their taxes.
“There are no plans to extend the T1 tax filing deadlines, as a potential strike in no way impedes the ability of Canadians to file their taxes electronically or on paper,” said a spokesperson for the CRA. “Canadians should take steps to ensure their return is filed by May 1, 2023, along with payment for any balance owing.”
If a strike occurs, Canadians can expect serious delays and longer wait times in the last weeks before the deadline, especially those filed on paper.
As of April 14, 35,000 employees at the CRA are in a legal position to strike if a deal is not reached with the government.
Access to online services will still be available to those who have not yet filed their taxes.
The CRA and PSAC are scheduled to have additional negotiations from April 17 to 20.
PSAC represents thousands of clerks, maintenance workers, tradespeople, coast guard workers, teachers, firefighters, cooks, Employment Insurance and Immigration workers.
The Union of Taxation Employees (UTE) requested a 14-month backdated pay raise of 4.5%, a 2-month backdated pay raise of 8%, a future pay raise of 8% and a one-time pay increase of 9%, adding up to nearly 30% in raises.
