A looming strike by Canada Revenue Agency workers over an ongoing labour dispute “poses a threat to small businesses,” an independent group has warned, calling for an extension of the tax deadline.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) in a statement Monday urged the agency and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC)-Union of Taxation Employees (UTE), which represents more than 35,000 CRA workers, to quickly reach an agreement.

Canadians have until May 1 to file their income tax and benefit returns. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has said it has no plans to delay that deadline even if workers walk off the job.

In the event of a strike, the agency has warned some services may be affected, with delays in processing some income tax and benefit returns, particularly those filed by paper.

“With certain CRA services being delayed or unavailable during a labour disruption, we worry that many small businesses may not be able to get answers in a timely manner or to submit their tax payment on time,” Kelly said.

The CRA told Global News last week that a “potential strike in no way impedes the ability of Canadians to file their taxes electronically or on paper.”

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