Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he still hopes agreements can be struck to end mail disruptions across the country.
The remark comes after the Liberal government introduced back-to-work legislation that could force striking Canada Post employees to put down their picket signs.
But while he concedes legislating an end to a labour dispute is never the best option, Trudeau says his government must act.
READ MORE: Senate preparing for rare weekend sitting to pass Canada Post back-to-work bill
Labour Minister Patty Hajdu tabled a back-to-work bill in the House of Commons, but stressed the government would hold off debating it to give a special mediator time to settle the labour dispute.
Critics complain the move has undermined the collective-bargaining process just a day after Morton Mitchnick resumed efforts to break the impasse between the Crown corporation and its employees.
WATCH: Canada Post employees protest Trudeau’s visit to Calgary
A vote on a motion to speed the legislation through the Commons could come as early as tomorrow.