Postal strike affecting Windsorites waiting for passports [Video]

The Canada Post strike is causing major headaches for Windsor residents trying to get their passports in time for holiday travel.

Some have the option to pay extra to bypass the system, but many are left waiting indefinitely — forced to cancel long-anticipated trips.

Felicia Priestyski is among those feeling the pressure.

“We’re traveling on Boxing Day, and we needed to have them in time,” she told CTV News after speaking with Service Canada officials at Windsor’s downtown passport office.

“They said they have to go through Purolator to get it in.”

Paying extra for local pickup

Travelers like Pristyski have the option to pay an additional fee to pick up their passports locally, sidestepping the postal system. But some are frustrated by the unexpected added cost.

“Normally we have everything mailed to our home, and now we need to pay extra for picking up our stuff,” said Perla Granillo, who’s hoping to make it home to Mexico for Christmas.

Paullina Percivalli faced a similar situation when applying.

“She just said …