The Conservative majority in the House said it will not bow to the ongoing NDP filibuster and will sit as long as it takes to pass back-to-work legislation for Canada Post.
Labour Minister Lisa Raitt told reporters on Friday that the current legislation is “not close to being passed.”
Ms. Raitt said she is willing to continue holding discussions with the NDP on amendments to the bill, but said there is no deal in the works after a series of general discussions on broad principles.
“There is no hard back and forth,” Ms. Raitt said, explaining she has had many discussions with NDP MP Yvon Godin. “We’re looking forward to see what they come back with this evening.”
Ms. Raitt said the Canadian economy is being hurt by the labour dispute that affects individuals, companies and charities.
“We are here to sit until the legislation passes so that Canadians can get their mail and the economy can continue to recover,” Ms. Raitt said.
The Labour Minister said she is unaware of any way to speed up the ongoing parliamentary debate, which started on Thursday and has yet to delve into the actual content of the bill.
“The House of Parliament does have its processes and procedures, it’s a very long history of jurisprudence,” Ms. Raitt said.
