As iPolitics’ own Marco Vigliotti reports, the one-day strike by WestJet flight attendants is now officially on indefinite — and, barring a sudden shift in the dynamics, very possibly permanent — hold, courtesy of a tentative deal that “increases pay for work performed prior to take off as well as making more duties eligible for compensation,”which was a “major point of contention” during the months-long negotiations that preceded last week’s walkout.

Although the proposed new contract still has to be ratified by members, the airline’s now imminent return to regular operations takes one potentially politically high-risk decision off the table for the federal Liberal government— namely, whether to invoke a controversial Canada Labour Code provision that would effectively clear the way for the Canadian Industrial Relations Board to issue a back to work order without the need for stand-alone legislation.

“Air Canada flight attendants walked off the job over similar complaints last fall, and the federal government invoked s. 107 of the Canada Labour Code to end the strike,” iPolitics notes.

“The union defied the order and a deal was eventually reached at the bargaining table. The strike at WestJet created a similar high-stakes situation for the Liberals — a poll showed Canadians strongly supported the flight attendants and the major opposition parties including the Conservatives urged the government to avoid intervening.”

In an X post on Monday morning, Jobs Minister Patty Hadju confirmed that a “tentative deal” had been reached.

“I have met with both WestJet and (Canadian Union of Public Employees) throughout their collective bargaining negotiations, including on the ground in Calgary,” she noted.

“The federal government and Canadians welcome the news that the parties have reached a deal together, at the bargaining table. We thank both parties, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, including the Special Mediator,” for all their work throughout the bargaining process.”

Hitting the ministerial circuit this week:

• Women and Gender Equality Minister Rechie Valdez teams up with her Newfoundland and Labrador counterpart, Lela Evans, as well as local Liberal MP Joanne Thompson for a mid-morning media availability in St. John’s to highlight “renewed support for crisis hotlines responding to gender-based violence” throughout the province. (Tuesday a.m.)

Back in the precinct, representatives of the Network of Engaged Canadian Academics, which describes itself as “a non-partisan group of Jewish and non-Jewish academics who share concerns about rising antisemitism on campus,” hit the West Block press theatre to share their reaction to “the first of two Campus Antisemitism and Student Experiences (CASE) reports,” which, as per the advisory, were “commissioned by Canadian Heritage.” (Wednesday a.m.)

Also on the radar: Newly installed Governor General Louise Arbour embarks on a six-day visit to Quebec City that, according to Rideau Hall, will include her inaugural stay at La Citadelle, which, in addition to being designated a national historic site, has served as the secondary vice-regal residence since 1872. (Wednesday through Monday)

On her itinerary, as per the advisory: An afternoon meeting with “newcomers being welcomed and supported by the Carrefour d’action interculturelle,” as well as a stop at Maison des jeunes du quartier Saint-Jean-Baptiste “that will give her the opportunity to speak with young people from the region” (Wednesday p.m.), a visit to Canadian Forces Base Valcartier (Thursday a.m.) as well as other “cultural and tourist activities” that she will “informally attend,” according to the notice.

Later this week, Arbour “will receive military honours from the Royal 22^e Régiment, which will include the inspection of a guard of honour of 100 military members, the Viceregal Salute and a 21-gun salute,” it notes. “This will all take place in the presence of Batisse, the Régiment’s famous goat mascot.” (Friday a.m.)