Following nearly two weeks of rotating strikes which had a significant impact on service levels, Canada Post took the step of declaring a national lock-out. This work-stoppage greatly affected mail delivery across Canada.

There was evidence that the labour situation was causing serious harm to small businesses across the country. Canadians needed a resolution, and that was not being provided by Canada Post or the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

Our Government was concerned about the effect the Canada Post work stoppage is having on Canada’s economic recovery and on Canadians. We received a strong mandate from Canadians to continue our economic recovery and to protect it from risks like this.

That is why on June 20th, I tabled a bill entitled “Restoring Mail Delivery for Canadians Act to ensure resumption and continuation of postal services.”

For three full days, the NDP continued to filibuster the Restoring Mail Delivery for All Canadians Act. Their blockade showed that they are not interested in protecting the fragile economic recovery, protecting small businesses or protecting the interests of Canadian families.

In contrast, our Government acted to protect the public interest and the country’s economy as a whole, and after three full days of obstruction by Jack Layton’s NDP, the legislation finally passed through the house and mail delivery will resume again shortly.