Family struggles to grieve as cremated remains remain missing amid Canada Post strike
- Emily Walstrom's father passed away in British Columbia and his ashes were scheduled for delivery to Quebec.
- A national strike by Canada Post workers began on November 14, resulting in significant delays in mail services.
- Due to the strike, Walstrom's family has been unable to properly grieve and bury their loved one.
In Canada, a Quebec woman, Emily Walstrom, is experiencing significant grief due to the delayed arrival of her father's cremated remains, following his death in British Columbia. Emily, who was traveling internationally at the time of her father's passing, had arranged for the cremation of his remains in Surrey. The funeral home notified her that the ashes were dispatched on November 12, with a delivery expected by November 20. However, just two days later, a national strike involving approximately 55,000 Canada Post workers began, resulting in extensive delays in mail and parcel deliveries nationwide. Walstrom received a notice from Canada Post about this labour disruption which left her feeling a mix of sadness and anger. When she contacted customer service for assistance, she was informed that they have no information on the current location of her father's ashes, contributing to her distress. The emotional turmoil worsened as she realized that her plans for a proper burial in Winnipeg have been disrupted, making it immensely challenging to process her grief. Canada Post has acknowledged the difficulties posed by the strike, with a spokesperson indicating that the strike would have prolonged effects on their service even after the strikes end. The situation has raised concerns, particularly about the handling of sensitive items like cremated remains during postal disruptions. Funeral industry representatives noted that shipping cremated remains through Canada Post had been reliable in the past, and this unexpected delay is unprecedented. Walstrom expressed her desire for changes in how Canada Post processes cremated remains, emphasizing that if they take on the responsibility of handling such sensitive items, they should ensure full accountability throughout the process. The unresolved status of her father's ashes has left the family in a state of uncertainty, blending their grief with frustration over the situation caused by the strike.