The House of Commons has received notice that the Trudeau government’s ready to legislate an end to the rotating postal walkouts.

Labour Minister Patty Hajdu says 48-hours notice is required before introducing back-to-work legislation, but insists that does not mean the Liberals will make the move.

She points out the government has complete flexibility around when it might be introduced, adding she doesn’t want to use such legislation, but that individuals and businesses are relying on Canada Post during the busy holiday season.

Hajdu does expect both sides to work hard over the next couple days with special mediator Morton Mitchnick, who has been reappointed in an effort to end the labour dispute that’s resulted in a huge backlog of mail and parcels. 

As a result, Canada Post has warned Canadians to expect delays of delivery into the new year, with the worst delays in southern and southwestern Ontario.