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“We’re concerned that the work stoppage at CP will not have a negative effect not only on Canadian businesses, but on families as well, and, of course, the overall economy,” she said.

She said a negotiated settlement is the preferred route and that the parties are close.

But she has put a back-to-work bill on the notice paper so the government would be ready act if a deal cannot be reached.

“Our best efforts right now are to help them get a deal, help them settle the matter at the table themselves, be mindful of the economy, but be ready to go should we need to do something,” she said.

Conciliation officers from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service remain available to assist the parties in their negotiations, she said.

Ms. Raitt has demonstrated a propensity to intervene in labour disruptions and to preempt others in the past, including those at Air Canada and Canada Post.

She has tabled back-to-work bills and taken other measures, including referring disputes at Air Canada to the Canada Industrial Relations Board, which removed the workers’ right to strike and the employer’s right to lock them out, until a back-to-work bill could passed.

Parliament, however, is not sitting this week.

With the bill put on the notice paper, at this point, and it is believed the earliest a debate could be held on the matter is Monday with the bill passed shortly thereafter.

“Our intention right now is to not have to introduce legislation. We just want to make sure that if we have to that we have our notice period done,” she said.