OTTAWA—Efforts to broker a settlement and end a strike that has effectively shut down Canada’s postal agency were suspended as the mail operator and the labor union remain far apart on critical issues.

A Canadian citizen who returned from the United States to apply for a special visa says she's now stranded in Ottawa due to the ongoing Canada Post strike.

The Canada Post strike is expected to continue as parties remain 'too far apart on critical issues' to reach a deal, according to Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon.

The Canadian government has announced it will not intervene in the ongoing Canada Post labour dispute, despite the approaching holiday season. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon stated on Wednesday

Labour Minister Steven Mackinnon took to social media on Wednesday, saying in part "the special federal mediator has decided to temporarily suspend mediation between Canada Post and [the union]."

Supporters of mom-and-pop shops may be worried they won't get their packages during the Canada Post strike, but a small business industry group is encouraging people to not rule them out during their holiday shopping.

The key issue at the heart of the Canada Post strike is the growth of gig work and other forms of precarious labour across the private delivery sector.

Efforts to broker a settlement and end a strike that has effectively shut down Canada’s postal agency have been suspended as the company and the labor union remain far apart on critical issues.