Mr. Speaker, I called an emergency meeting this morning to meet with both parties. I advised the union and the employer that they were responsible for resolving their differences and that it was time for them to settle the dispute and restore transportation services to the disabled people of Ottawa.
I also appointed my assistant deputy minister, Mr. Warren Edmondson, as mediator to work with them. I urge both parties to work with the assistance of Mr. Edmondson to conclude a fair collective agreement. This dispute must be settled soon.